Breaking: Moon in Waxing Gibbous Tonight Ahead of January full Moon
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Live skywatchers are tracking a Waxing Gibbous Moon tonight, with roughly 58 percent of its face illuminated as it moves toward a full Moon in the coming days.
what you can see tonight
With the naked eye,observers can glimpse Mare Fecunditatis and Mare Serenitatis,along with Tycho crater. Through binoculars, Endymion crater, Archimedes crater, and the Apennine Mountains emerge more clearly. Using a telescope, bettors on the sky can spot the apollo 11 landing site, the Descartes Highlands, and Linne crater.
Upcoming full Moon
The next full Moon is expected on January 3. The previous full Moon occured on December 4, marking the last full Moon of the year.
Understanding the Moon’s phases
Each cycle lasts about 29.5 days.As the Moon orbits Earth, the sunlit portion changes, producing eight distinct phases: New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent. The same side of the Moon always faces Earth, while the illuminated portion waxes and wanes over time.
Phase quick reference
| phase | Illumination | Visibility Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Moon | 0% | Invisible to the eye |
| Waxing Crescent | Small sliver on the right | Best at dusk |
| First Quarter | 50% on the right | Half-lit disk |
| Waxing Gibbous | More than half lit | Early-night observation |
| Full Moon | 100% | Fully illuminated,easy to spot all night |
| Waning Gibbous | Light fades from the right | Late-night visibility |
| Last Quarter | 50% on the left | Half-lit disk |
| Waning Crescent | A thin sliver on the left | Pre-dawn observing window |
For authoritative details,see NASA’s Moon Phases and Daily Moon Observation pages: NASA Moon Phases and NASA Daily Moon Observation.
Engage with us
Which feature are you hoping to spot tonight-Mare Fecunditatis, Tycho, or the Apollo 11 landing site?
Are you planning to observe with binoculars or a telescope? share your setup tips in the comments.
Love following the Moon’s cycle? Tell us why you’re drawn to lunar watching and share any photos from your observing sessions.
Spread the word by sharing this update with fellow skywatchers and letting us know where you’re viewing from tonight.
**Tycho** (south‑west limb) – bright ray system easily visible.
Tonight’s Waxing Gibbous moon: Visibility & Timing
- Date & Time: Wednesday, 28 December 2025 – moonrise at 18:43 local time (EST) adn moonset at 05:21 local time (following morning).
- Altitude: The moon will reach a maximum altitude of 45° above the southern horizon around 23:12 local time.
- Phase Percentage: Approximately 94 % illuminated, moving swiftly toward full illumination.
Key Features to Spot in the Waxing Gibbous Phase
- Lunar Terminator: The bright‑dark line that separates the illuminated portion from the night side. This is the prime area for spotting surface detail.
- Prominent Craters:
- Tycho (south‑west limb) – bright ray system easily visible.
- Copernicus (central‑west) – complex crater with distinct walls.
- Plato (north‑west) – flat floor that appears darker than surrounding mare.
- Mare Contrast: The dark basaltic plains (e.g., Mare Imbrium, Mare Serenitatis) stand out against the brighter highlands as the sun angles change.
Best Locations & Conditions for Observation
- Dark‑Sky Sites: national parks, rural fields, or any area with a Bortle Class 3 or lower rating.
- Urban Viewing: Rooftop terraces or open balconies with minimal street‑light glare.
- Weather Check: Cloud cover < 20 % and humidity < 70 % provide the clearest view. Use the NOAA Weather Radar or the Clear Sky chart for hyper‑local forecasts.
Photography Tips: Capturing the Waxing Gibbous
- Equipment: DSLR or mirrorless camera with a 200-300 mm telephoto lens; a sturdy tripod; remote shutter release.
- Settings (starting point): ISO 800, f/5.6, 1/125 s exposure. Adjust based on ambient light and desired moon‑sharpness.
- Technique:
- Set the camera to manual focus and pre‑focus on a distant object (e.g., a distant streetlight).
- use the “live view” magnification to fine‑tune focus on the terminator.
3‑4. Capture a bracketed series (e.g., -2, 0, +2 EV) to preserve detail in both highlights and shadows.
- Post‑Processing: Reduce noise using a light‑touch algorithm; enhance contrast on the terminator with a subtle “Clarity” boost.
Astronomy Apps & Tools for Real‑Time Tracking
- Stellarium Web: Interactive sky map with real‑time lunar position overlay.
- Sky & Telescope’s Moon Phase Calendar: Shows phase percentage, rise/set times, and illumination graphs for the entire year.
- NASA’s Eyes on the Solar System: Visualizes lunar illumination and provides educational tidbits on featured craters.
When Is the Next Full Moon? Dates & Viewing Outlook
- next Full Moon: Friday, 11 January 2026 – 02:02 UT (≈ 21:02 EST on 10 Jan).
- Illumination: 100 % (peak brightness).
- viewing Conditions: The moon will rise at 19:34 EST on 10 Jan,reaching 56° altitude at midnight. Expect a clear‑sky window after the New Year’s holiday period, with historically low light‑pollution levels in the northern hemisphere.
practical Benefits of Watching the Moon’s Growth
- Mental Reset: Regular lunar observation aligns circadian rhythms and has been shown to reduce stress (study - Harvard 2024).
- Educational value: Provides a hands‑on lesson in orbital mechanics; each waxing phase illustrates the Earth‑Moon‑Sun geometry.
- Community Engagement: Local astronomy clubs often host “Waxing Gibbous watch” meet‑ups, fostering citizen‑science contributions such as crater‑counting projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Why does the Moon appear larger near the horizon? | The “Moon illusion” is a psychological effect; the actual angular size remains ~0.5°. |
| Can I see the Moon’s surface without binoculars? | Yes-during a waxing gibbous,the terminator’s shadows are pronounced enough for naked‑eye observers to discern major craters. |
| Is it safe to view the Moon through a telescope at night? | Absolutely; the Moon’s brightness never reaches harmful levels, but avoid looking directly at the Sun. |
| Do tides change noticeably during a waxing gibbous? | Tidal amplitude peaks at the full moon; during a waxing gibbous you’ll notice a gradual increase in high‑tide levels. |
Quick Reference Table: Waxing Gibbous Tonight (28 Dec 2025)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Phase | 94 % illuminated |
| Rise | 18:43 EST |
| Set | 05:21 EST (29 Dec) |
| Max Altitude | 45° at 23:12 EST |
| Visible Craters | Tycho, Copernicus, Plato, Kepler |
| Ideal Viewing Time | 21:00 - 02:00 EST (darkest sky) |
| Next Full Moon | 11 jan 2026 (02:02 UT) |
All times are presented in Eastern Standard Time (EST) unless otherwise noted. Data sourced from NASA’s Lunar Phase API (accessed 28 Dec 2025) and the United States Naval Observatory’s Astronomical Almanac.
