The Moon Phases to Watch Out for This Month: A Guide to Lunar Orbital Changes

The moon is one of the most fascinating celestial bodies to observe, and its phases offer a glimpse into the ever-changing universe. Every month, the moon goes through a cycle of phases that can be observed from anywhere on Earth. In this article, we will take a closer look at the moon phases to watch out for this month.

New Moon: Happened on July 9

The new moon is a phase that occurs when the moon is between the sun and the Earth. During this phase, the moon is invisible to the naked eye because the side facing the Earth is not illuminated by the sun. The new moon is the start of a new lunar cycle and marks the beginning of a new month in many lunar calendars.

First Quarter Moon: Happening on July 17

The first quarter moon is a phase that occurs when the moon has completed about 25% of its orbit around the Earth. During this phase, the moon appears to be a half-circle in the sky, with the right side illuminated. The first quarter moon is a great time to observe the features of the moon using a telescope or binoculars.

Full Moon: Happening on July 24

The full moon is perhaps the most well-known phase of the moon. It occurs when the moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the sun, and the entire side facing the Earth is illuminated by the sun. The full moon is a beautiful sight to behold and has been the subject of numerous myths and legends throughout history.

Last Quarter Moon: Happening on July 31

The last quarter moon is a phase that occurs when the moon has completed about 75% of its orbit around the Earth. During this phase, the moon appears to be a half-circle in the sky, with the left side illuminated. The last quarter moon is a good time to observe the moon’s craters and mountains, as the long shadows cast by the sun make them more visible.

In conclusion, the moon offers a never-ending source of amazement and wonder for sky watchers of all ages. By keeping track of the moon phases, you can better understand the lunar cycle and appreciate the beauty of our natural satellite. So, mark your calendars and make sure to catch the moon phases happening this month!

The Moon Phases to Watch Out for This Month: A Guide to Lunar Orbital Changes

The Moon is one of the most intriguing celestial objects that has fascinated humans for centuries. From ancient times, people have been observing and recording the phases of the Moon. With technological advancements, we now have more data and knowledge to understand lunar phases and their impact on our planet. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the frequently asked questions about the Moon phases to watch out for this month.

What are the phases of the Moon?

The Moon goes through eight different phases in its monthly orbit around the Earth. The different phases are named after the shape of the lit portion of the Moon as seen from the Earth. The phases are New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Third Quarter, and Waning Crescent.

What causes Moon phases?

Moon phases are caused by the position of the Moon in its orbit around the Earth and the position of the Earth in its orbit around the Sun. When the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, we see the Moon’s dark side, and this is called a New Moon. As the Moon moves away from the Sun, we begin to see a sliver of light on the Moon’s surface. This is called a Waxing Crescent. As the Moon continues to move away from the Sun, we see more of the Moon’s lit portion, and this is called the First Quarter. This process repeats until we reach a Full Moon, where the entire lit side of the Moon is visible. The cycle then reverses, and we see Waning Gibbous, Third Quarter, Waning Crescent, and finally, a New Moon.

What are the significance and impact of Moon phases?

Moon phases have been significant to humans in various ways. From ancient times, the Moon has been used to track time and mark the calendar. Lunar phases have also been linked to human behavior, for example, the full moon has been linked with an increase in accidents and emergency admissions to hospitals.

Moon phases also have a significant impact on the tides of the ocean. The gravitational pull of the Moon on the Earth’s oceans causes a bulge on the side of the Earth facing the Moon, which causes high tide. This bulge also creates a low tide on the opposite side of the Earth.

What Moon phases are expected this month?

The Moon phases for this month are as follows:

New Moon: August 8th

First Quarter: August 15th

Full Moon: August 22nd

Third Quarter: August 30th

How can I observe and photograph the Moon phases?

Observing and photographing the Moon phases is a fascinating experience. To observe the Moon, you can use a pair of binoculars or a telescope. The best time to observe the Moon is during its crescent and gibbous phases when shadows and craters are visible. During the Full Moon, the Moon’s surface appears bright, and observing it without proper equipment can cause eye strain.

When taking pictures of the Moon, it is best to use a telephoto lens and a tripod. A remote shutter release can also be used to reduce camera shake. The best time to photograph the Moon is during its crescent phases when the shadows and texture of the Moon’s surface are visible.

The Moon Phases to Watch Out for This Month: A Guide to Lunar Orbital Changes

The moon has always been a source of fascination for humans. Its constantly changing phases make it a captivating object to observe in the sky. But not all lunar phases are created equal. Some are more spectacular than others due to the position and alignment of the moon, sun, and Earth. As a result, some lunar phases are more significant and interesting than others. In this guide, we will explore the moon phases to watch out for this month and some key lunar orbital changes.

What Causes Lunar Phases?

Before diving into the different moon phases, it’s important to understand what causes them. The lunar phases are caused by the position of the moon, the Earth and the sun in relation to each other. The moon orbits the Earth and as it moves, the amount of sunlight it reflects changes, leading to the different moon phases we see from the Earth.

The New Moon

The new moon is the first lunar phase and marks the beginning of a new lunar cycle. During the new moon phase, the moon is positioned between the Earth and the sun, so the sun’s light shines on the side of the moon that faces away from Earth. As a result, the moon is not visible from Earth during this phase.

The Waxing Crescent Moon

The waxing crescent moon is the second lunar phase and occurs after the new moon. During this phase, a small sliver of the moon can be seen from Earth, lit by the sun’s light. The crescent shape gets bigger as the moon moves farther away from the sun and towards a full moon.

The First Quarter Moon

The first quarter moon occurs roughly one week after the new moon. During this lunar phase, half of the moon’s face is illuminated by the sun’s light, while the other half is in shadow. This is the phase where the moon is half-full and appears as a semi-circle shape in the sky.

The Waxing Gibbous Moon

The waxing gibbous moon is the fourth lunar phase and occurs after the first quarter moon. During this phase, most of the moon’s face is visible from Earth, with just a small portion in shadow. This phase is the precursor to the full moon phase and marks the moon’s journey to becoming fully illuminated.

The Full Moon

The full moon is perhaps the most recognizable lunar phase. It occurs when the Earth, moon, and sun are aligned in a straight line. This alignment causes the moon to appear fully illuminated from Earth. The full moon phase is also known for its bright and stunning appearance in the night sky, making it a popular observation for amateur astronomers.

The Waning Gibbous Moon

The waning gibbous moon is the sixth lunar phase and occurs after the full moon. During this phase, most of the moon’s face is still visible from Earth, though its illumination is decreasing. This phase marks the moon’s journey back towards becoming a new moon again.

The Third Quarter Moon

The third quarter moon occurs roughly three weeks after the new moon. During this lunar phase, half of the moon’s face is illuminated by the sun’s light, while the other half is in shadow. This is the phase where the moon is half-full again, but in the opposite direction from the first quarter moon, making a shape of a semi-circle on the other side of the sky.

The Waning Crescent Moon

The waning crescent moon is the eighth and final lunar phase before the new moon. During this phase, a small sliver of the moon can be seen from Earth, once again lit by the sun’s light. The crescent shape will get smaller and smaller until it disappears and the moon becomes the invisible new moon again.

The Importance of Lunar Phases

The moon phases have been studied and observed by humans for centuries, and for good reason. The moon’s gravitational pull affects many aspects of life on Earth, including ocean tides, animal behavior, and even our own moods. Understanding the lunar phases can help us better understand our natural world and the way it works.

Conclusion

Whether you’re an amateur astronomer or just someone who enjoys gazing at the night sky, understanding the moon’s different phases can be both fascinating and rewarding. By keeping an eye on the different lunar phases occurring each month, you can observe the beautiful and ever-changing celestial display that our solar system has to offer. Remember to mark your calendars and plan ahead for the next full moon or new moon and enjoy the beauty of the lunar phases this month!