If you’ve ever wondered what the waxing gibbous phase is, look no further. In this article, we’ll discuss the details of the waxing gibbous phase, why it’s important, and how you can observe it. So, grab a cup of coffee and let’s take a closer look at the waxing gibbous phase!
The waxing gibbous phase, during a Lunar month, is the third phase of the Moon’s cycle. It occurs once the Moon is illuminated more than 50% but not yet full. During this phase, the area of the illuminated Moon increases and the Moon is most visible during this time.
During a waxing gibbous Moon, the following changes occur:
- Moon appears large in the night sky
- The left portion (as seen from the northern hemisphere) of the Moon is illuminated
- The right portion of the Moon is dark
The waxing gibbous phase is a great time for observing the night sky as the Moon will appear more visible that other phases, and long distant objects can be observed more easily due to the lack of ambient light from a full Moon.
So congratulations, you now have an understanding of the waxing gibbous phase and how it’s related to both the lunar cycle and the lunar phases! With this knowledge, you can now make the most of this natural cycle and use it to your advantage. Have a moonlit night!