by The moon will be almost half illuminated by the sun on Sunday (October 2), during a phase called first quarter. This will also mark the Moon’s closest point to Earth during the first quarter phases of 2022.
During this narrow first quarter moon, the moon it will be about 229,985 miles (370,125 kilometers) from Earth. After October 2nd, the next first quarter Moon occurs on November 1st.
On Sunday, the moon will be visible from New York City at approximately 6:53 p.m. EDT (2253 GMT) 21 degrees above the horizon to the south. The moon will be high in the sky around sunset and set as well around midnight.
Related: What is the phase of the Moon today? Moon phases 2022
The moon takes about 29.5 days to orbit the Earth which means its cycle takes about four weeks and the first quarter moon happens about once a month.
The name “first quarter” may at first sound confusing as the moon is half illuminated, but what the term actually refers to is the fact that it is one quarter of its 29.5 day cycle. Which half of the moon a sky watcher sees lit during this moon phase depends on where they are on Earth.
By the first quarter, the moon will set late each day and will be visible for longer into the night. While in the first quarter the moon rises around noon and sets around midnight. This means it is high in the evening sky during the first quarter moon, making it ideal for viewing.
Until the moon reaches the Full moon phase of its cycle, it will be visible for most of the night. Heading towards the full moon phase more and more of the moon’s face is illuminated The sun by the evolution of light along the disk called “hair removal”. After the first quarter, the next major phase of the moon is the waxing moon leading up to the full moon.
The first trimester falls right in between New Moon — when the moon appears almost invisible and its face is completely dark as seen from Earth — and the full moon when it appears fully illuminated.
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After the full moon, the bright side of the moon will recede—a progression called waning—heading toward the third quarter of the Moon, at which point its sides will be nearly 50 percent brighter again. This leads to the new moon and the start of a new lunar cycle.
Because the moon’s orbit around the Earth is a slightly flattened or elliptical circle, it is sometimes closest to our planet – at its perigee – and sometimes at its furthest – at its apogee.
ONE super moon is when perigee occurs during a full moon or new moon, while a full moon or new moon that falls around apogee is called a micromoon.
If you want to take a more in-depth look at our rocky companion the ultimate guide to observing the moon will help you plan your next sky-gazing venture whether it’s exploring the lunar seas, mountainous terrain, or the many craters that dot the landscape. You can also see where astronauts, rovers and landers have ventured with our Apollo Landing Sites Observation Guide.
Looking for a telescope or binoculars to observe the moon and don’t know where to start? Our guides to best deals on binoculars and best telescope deals now can I help.
If you are interested in taking your lunar photography to the next level with us how to photograph the moon The guide is full of easy-to-use tips on techniques, timings and tools to help you start taking stunning lunar photos. Us best cameras for astrophotography and best lenses for astrophotography it can also help make sure you’re fully prepared and prepared for your next moon-watching adventure.
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