Should you’re planning on observing the night time sky, going for an evening hike, or attempting to snap a shot of the Moon, the part is extremely vital. This is all the pieces it’s essential to know in regards to the present Lunar part, in addition to what you possibly can anticipate within the close to future.
What Is the Moon Part on March twenty sixth?
As we speak, the moon is 12% full, which places it within the waning crescent part. It’s 27 days outdated.
How Shut Is the Moon As we speak?
As we speak, the moon is 229,806 miles (369,837 kilometers) away from the Earth. The orbit of the Moon is not completely round and ranges from about 221,450 miles all the best way out to 253,000 miles.
What Is the Lunar Forecast?
In March, there was a complete lunar eclipse on March 14th. On March twenty ninth, there shall be a partial solar eclipse seen to a few of North America (the Northeast largely), giant elements of Europe, and small areas of South America, Asia, and Africa.
When Will the Subsequent New Moon Be?
The following new moon shall be on March twenty ninth, 2025—solely 3 days away.
This new moon may also trigger a partial photo voltaic eclipse. For the reason that Moon shall be very close to perigee (solely 222,808 miles) when the eclipse happens, it might be a complete photo voltaic eclipse quite than an annular photo voltaic eclipse if all the Solar have been coated.
When Will the Subsequent Full Moon Be?
The following full moon shall be on April twelfth, 2025. The moon shall be close to apogee—some 252,400 miles—and can seem smaller within the sky than regular.
What In regards to the Different Phases This Month?
Here’s a extra complete have a look at the lunar phases for the month of March.
Part |
Date |
---|---|
First Quarter |
3/4/2025 |
Full |
3/14/2025 |
Third (Final) Quarter |
3/22/2025 |
New |
3/29/2025 |
What Causes the Moon’s Phases?
The phases of the moon happen due to how the Solar, the Moon, and the Earth are positioned with respect to one another.
On a full moon, the Solar, Earth, and Moon type a virtually straight line. The sunshine from the Solar shines previous the Earth, hits the moon, and is mirrored immediately again at us.
As you may anticipate, a brand new Moon additionally happens when the Earth, Moon, and Solar type a straight line, however the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Solar.
However, 1 / 4 moon happens when the Earth, Moon, and Solar type a proper triangle. Solely half of the facet of the Moon we often see is illuminated.

What Are the Moon’s Phases and Why Do They Matter?
The Moon’s phases have an effect on people and nature.
When Is the Finest Time to Observe the Moon?
The total moon is iconic, however it most likely is not the perfect time to look at the moon. A full moon is kind of shiny, and you will find it uncomfortable to take a look at by way of even a modest telescope with out a lunar filter. As a substitute, search for one thing that’s 3/4s full or much less—it’s simpler on the eyes. Moreover, the shadow of the Moon could make some floor options (like craters!) far more fascinating to take a look at.

Celestron 114LCM Computerized Telescope
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With a 4.49 inch (114mm) aperture and a 39 inch (1000mm) focal size, the Celestron 114LCM offers a most magnification of 269x—lots to view the planets, the moon, and a few deep-sky objects.
The mount is computerized, which makes discovering and monitoring objects of curiosity a lot simpler. When you calibrate it, you are set!
Should you do have a telescope, a lunar filter is a should in the event you plan to take a look at the total moon.
Important Lunar Terminology
There are a handful of phrases that you will hear quite a bit when individuals talk about the Moon. Here’s a listing of an important ones.
Time period |
Definition |
---|---|
Waxing |
The illuminated a part of the moon is growing. |
Waning |
The illuminated a part of the moon is reducing. |
Gibbous |
The Moon’s part is between 1 / 4 (half full) moon and a full moon. |
Crescent |
The Moon’s part is between a brand new moon and 1 / 4 (half full) moon. |
Apogee |
The purpose when the Moon is closest to the Earth in its orbit. |
Perigee |
The purpose when the Moon is farthest from the Earth in its orbit. |
Eccentricity |
How spherical (low eccentricity) or oval (excessive eccentricity) an orbit is. |
Eclipse |
When one stellar physique passes in entrance of one other. |
Mare |
The darkish areas of the Moon, which have been as soon as considered seas. |