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Forbes
3 days ago
- Science
- Forbes
When To See ‘Shooting Stars' Tonight As Four Meteor Showers Collide
Summer's 'shooting stars' season gets underway this week with the peaks of three meteor showers. The most famous meteor shower of all, the Perseids, will peak on Aug. 12-13, but a badly timed full moon makes this week the best time to see its shooting stars. A Perseid meteor streaks across the sky above Inspiration Point early on August 12, 2016 in Bryce ... More Canyon National Park, Utah. (Photo by) Getty Images The Piscis Austrinid meteor shower will peak in the early hours of July 28, with about five meteors per hour possible, according to The following morning, July 29, will see the peaks of two more meteor showers, the Southern delta Aquariids and the alpha Capricornids. The Southern delta Aquariid meteor shower produces up to 25 shooting stars per hour, with most being rather faint. Although the alpha Capricornids number just five shooting stars per hour at their peak, they tend to include bright and colorful fireballs, according to the American Meteor Society. For all three meteor showers, the best view will likely be had about 3:00 a.m. local time in North America (all timezones), when the radiant points — the constellations of Pisces, Aquarius and Capricorn — are highest in the sky. Those constellations are all visible low on the southern horizon, so the best views will be had the farther south in North America. July 28 and 29 will be excellent nights for stargazing and looking for shooting stars if the skies are clear because the light from the crescent moon will not bleach the night sky. The Perseid meteor shower is already active, having begun on July 17 and is expected to continue until Aug. 23. On the peak night, around 50-75 meteors per hour are visible, but in 2025, that number will be significantly reduced, with only the very brightest of its shooting stars visible. That's because Aug. 9 will see the rise of a full sturgeon moon, which will remain bright and dominant in the night sky on Aug. 12-13, rising just as the peak of the Perseids gets underway. It will remain in the sky for the rest of the night. When To See The Perseid Meteor Shower In 2025 There are two periods to watch the skies in 2025 if you want to see shooting stars from the Perseid meteor shower. The first is right now before the moon reaches its first quarter phase on Aug. 1. The second is Aug. 15, when the moon will rise around midnight and a little later on subsequent nights. According to NASA, the best way to watch a meteor shower is to get out of the city to the darkest location you can, such as a Dark Sky Place. However, it's wise to check the weather forecast in advance because a clear sky is imperative. Observe somewhere with a clear view of as much of the night sky as possible, with extra layers to keep warm, as well as bug spray, snacks and drinks. Be patient, take a break every 30 minutes and avoid looking at a smartphone whose white light will kill your night vision. The Next Major Meteor Shower After the Perseids come to an end on Aug. 23, the next major meteor shower will be the Orionids. Active from Oct. 2 to Nov. 12, it will peak overnight on Oct. 22-23, one day after October's new moon. That will be perfectly dark skies, making many of the Orionids' predicted 10-20 shooting stars per hour during the peak visible to observers away from light pollution. The Orionid meteor shower is one of two annual meteor showers caused by Halley's Comet, the most famous and one of the largest comets known. The other is the Eta Aquariids meteor shower, which next peaks on May 5-6, 2026. Further Reading Forbes NASA Urges Public To Leave The City As Milky Way Appears — 15 Places To Go By Jamie Carter Forbes Get Ready For The Shortest Day Since Records Began As Earth Spins Faster By Jamie Carter Forbes NASA Spacecraft 'Touches Sun' For Final Time In Defining Moment For Humankind By Jamie Carter
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
What is the moon phase today? Lunar phases 2025
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Today, June 27, 2025, the moon is 2 days old and is in the Waxing Crescent phase of its lunar cycle. It is 6% illuminated. Moon phase Date First Quarter June 2 Full Moon June 11 Third/Last Quarter June 18 New Moon June 25 Moon phases reveal the passage of time in the night sky. Some nights when we look up at the moon, it is full and bright; sometimes it is just a sliver of silvery light. These changes in appearance are the phases of the moon. As the moon orbits Earth, it cycles through eight distinct phases. The four primary phases of the moon (new moon, first quarter, full moon, last quarter) occur about a week apart, with the full moon its most dazzling stage. While the moon has four primary phases each month, it is always changing. As you observe the moon during the month, watch as it grows from a new moon to a first quarter moon. As it grows, it is known as a waxing moon, and gradually increases from a waxing "crescent" (for its shape into the first quarter moon. As it continues to brighten, it takes on an oblong, or "gibbous," shape until it reaches the full moon stage. Then it will repeat the steps in reverse as it heads back to a new moon. You can see what today's moon phase is here with the embedded widget on this page, courtesy of Top telescope pick! Looking for a telescope for the moon? We recommend the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ as the best for basic astronomy in our best beginner's telescope guide. The next moon phase milestone will be the First Quarter Moon on Wednesday, July 2 at 3:30 p.m. EDT (1930 GMT). The First Quarter Moon, also known as the first half moon of the month because the moon appears half-illuminated as seen from Earth, marks the time when the moon is a quarter of its way through its lunar cycle and journey around the Earth. "People may casually call this a half moon, but remember, that's not really what you're witnessing in the sky," NASA wrote in a statement. "You're seeing just a slice of the entire moon ― half of the illuminated half." The First Quarter moon rises around noon and sets at about midnight, according to NASA. That means it will appear high in the sky in the evening, making it an excellent time for lunar viewing, the agency added. Here are the moon phases for 2025, according to NASA's SKYCAL. If you need equipment for viewing the moon, check out our guide to the best telescopes and the best telescopes for kids. You can also check out our guide on how to photograph the moon, as well as how to photograph a lunar eclipse for major moon events. There's even a guide on how to photograph a solar eclipse. If you're looking for imaging gear, our best cameras for astrophotography and best lenses for astrophotography guides can help prepare you for the next lunar sight. New Moon First Quarter Full Moon Last Quarter -- Jan. 6, 6:56 p.m. Jan. 13, 5:27 p.m. Jan. 21, 5:31 p.m. Jan. 29, 7:36 a.m. Feb. 5, 3:02 a.m. Feb. 12, 8:53 a.m. Feb. 20, 12:32 p.m. Feb. 27, 7:45 p.m. March 6, 11:32 a.m. March 14, 2:55 a.m. March 22, 7:29 a.m. March 29, 6:58 a.m. April 4, 10:14 p.m. April 12, 8:22 p.m. April, 20 9:35 p.m. April 27, 3:31 p.m. May 4, 9:52 a.m. May 12, 12:56 p.m. May 20, 7:56 a.m. May 26, 11:02 p.m. June 2, 11:41 p.m. June 11, 3:44 a.m. June 18, 3:19 p.m. June 25, 6:31 a.m. July 2, 3:30 p.m. July 10, 4:37 p.m. July 17, 8:38 p.m. July 24, 3:11 p.m. Aug. 1, 8:41 a.m. Aug. 9, 3:55 a.m. Aug. 16, 1:12 a.m. Aug. 23, 2:06 a.m. Aug. 31, 2:25 a.m. Sept. 7, 2:09 p.m. Sept. 14, 6:33 a.m. Sept. 21, 3:54 p.m. Sept. 29, 7:54 p.m. Oct. 6, 11:48 p.m. Oct. 13, 2:13 p.m. Oct. 21, 8:25 a.m. Oct. 29, 12:21 p.m. Nov. 5, 8:19 a.m. Nov. 12, 12:28 a.m. Nov. 20, 1:47 a.m. Nov. 28, 1:59 a.m. Dec. 4, 6:14 p.m. Dec. 11, 3:52 p.m. Dec. 19, 8:43 p.m. Dec. 27, 2:10 p.m. -- -- Related stories: — How to photograph the moon using a camera: techniques, kit, and settings — How to observe the moon with a telescope — What you can see in this month's night sky — Best cameras for astrophotography The moon, like Earth, is a sphere, and it is always half-illuminated by the sun. As the moon travels around Earth, we see more or less of the illuminated half. Moon phases describe how much of the moon's disk is illuminated from our perspective. New moon: The moon is between Earth and the sun, and the side of the moon facing toward us receives no direct sunlight; it is lit only by dim sunlight reflected from Earth. Waxing crescent: As the moon moves around Earth, the side we can see gradually becomes more illuminated by direct sunlight. First quarter: The moon is 90 degrees away from the sun in the sky and is half-illuminated from our point of view. We call it "first quarter" because the moon has traveled about a quarter of the way around Earth since the new moon. Floating 3D Moon Night Light Lamp | RRP $239.97 | Now: $139.97 If you know someone who can't get enough of the moon, then they'll be delighted with this floating 3D lamp from encalife. Using magnetic levitation technology, the realistic globe will project "moonlight" as it floats and spins in mid-air. Comes in three color modes and wireless LED Deal Waxing gibbous: The area of illumination continues to increase. More than half of the moon's face appears to be getting sunlight. Full moon: The moon is 180 degrees away from the sun and is as close as it can be to being fully illuminated by the sun from our perspective. The sun, Earth and the moon are aligned, but because the moon's orbit is not exactly in the same plane as Earth's orbit around the sun, they rarely form a perfect line. When they do, we have a lunar eclipse as Earth's shadow crosses the moon's face. Waning gibbous: More than half of the moon's face appears to be getting sunlight, but the amount is decreasing. Last quarter: The moon has moved another quarter of the way around Earth, to the third quarter position. The sun's light is now shining on the other half of the visible face of the moon. Waning crescent: Less than half of the moon's face appears to be getting sunlight, and the amount is decreasing. Finally, the moon is back to its new moon starting position. Now, the moon is between Earth and the sun. Usually, the moon passes above or below the sun from our vantage point, but occasionally it passes right in front of the sun, and we get a solar eclipse. We asked Italian amateur astronomer, astrophotographer, and author Giuseppe Donatiello some questions about the moon and its phases. The phases of the moon are a consequence of its motion around Earth in relation to the geometry assumed with respect to the sun. To better understand how it works, let us, first of all, remember that the moon does not emit its own light but reflects that of the sun and partly that reflected by the Earth–phenomenon of ashen light. Of the moon, we always see a hemisphere and a little more because its rotation is synchronous and blocked by the tide. This means that one lunar rotation on its axis corresponds to the time of revolution around Earth, equal to 29.5 days. On a daily basis, the moon appears to move eastward in the sky by 12°, and this determines different angles of its illumination by the sun. As it orbits Earth, the moon will show different illuminated parts based on the angle to the sun and hence the phases of a lunation. Although these lighting variations are gradual, traditionally, only four moments are identified, which are also useful for regulating the ancient calendars. They are in order, New Moon, First Quarter, Full Moon, and Last Quarter. The substantial difference is in the illumination percentage of the side facing the Earth. In the new moon phase, this percentage is 0% and becomes 100% at Full moon, about 14 days later. Thanks to the regular repetition of these moments, since ancient times, the lunar phases have been the basis of the lunisolar calendar. However, it was difficult to establish the exact moment of the new moon, therefore, many ancient civilizations started the lunar month with the appearance of the first crescent after sunset. However, this is a very simplified description since the lunar motion is actually very complex, and the perspective with which we see the near side constantly changes, getting to see almost 60% of the lunar surface thanks to the phenomenon called libration. The production of the phases depends on the Earth-moon-sun geometry and on the revolution motion of the moon around the Earth. Moving towards the east, our satellite rises later every day, and this is the reason why we see it in different positions at the same time. Approximately every day the moon delays its rising (and setting) by about 50 minutes, and this explains why the waxing becomes better visible a few days after the new moon as the elongation from the sun increases and further and further eastward. According to this reasoning, the maximum delay is at the new moon (24 hours) but also the minimum (0 hours) with the start of a new cycle. Tides are periodic changes in sea level known since ancient times. The phenomenon was explained satisfactorily by Isaac Newton, attributing it to the gravitational attraction exerted by the moon and the sun. We can consider the gravitational attraction exerted by the other planets to be negligible, therefore the greatest effects on the Earth will be those produced by the sun and the moon. These three bodies attract each other, however, the greatest effect is in the Earth-moon interaction. Both the moon and the Earth undergo a deformation along the line joining them, however, it is the fluid masses of the oceans that undergo the most significant deformations with the formation of a swelling. In addition to the swelling along the joining line, a diametrically opposite one on the other side of the Earth is formed due to the centrifugal force. The bulges move with the rotation of the moon around the Earth. An observer on the Earth's surface as the bulge approaches will see the sea level rise and then fall after it is exceeded. This observed phenomenon is called a tide. When the sea level is minimum, it is called low tide, while when it is maximum, it is a phase of high tide. The difference in height between the height of high tide and low tide is defined as a tidal range. The behavior of the tides is influenced by the orography and shape of the basins, size, and depth. Two to four tides can occur in one day. If there is one high and one low tide, we speak of diurnal tides, while if there are two high and two low tides, these are called semi-diurnal tides. During diurnal tides, the excursion is minimal, while for diurnal tides, the difference in level can also be considerable. It also depends on the height of the moon above the equator as a result of its inclined orbit. The sun also affects the tides, albeit less so than the moon, by attracting masses of water. The solar role is additive to the lunar one therefore, the respective geometry also influences the tides. When the moon is New or Full, the tides are maximum because the attraction forces of the sun and the moon add up. When the moon is in the First or Last Quarter, forming a 90° angle with the sun and the Earth, the tides are minimal because the attractive forces of the sun and moon oppose each other. To predict the magnitude of the tide we will also consider the position of the sun. NASA's SkyCal Events Calendar offers a comprehensive calendar of moon phases, lunar and solar eclipses and more for the entire calendar year. You can see more about the full moons of 2024, in Full Moon Calendar. Our night sky guide has a list of events for skywatching this month. SkyCal - SkyEvents Calendar, NASA Goddard Spaceflight Centerhttps:// What's Up - Skywatching Tips from NASAhttps://
ILoveQatar.net
27-06-2025
- Climate
- ILoveQatar.net
June Boötid meteor shower to be visible in Qatar on 27 June 2025
announced that Qatar will be able to witness the annual phenomenon of the June Boötid meteor shower on 27 June 2025. The best visibility of the meteor shower is likely to be 8 pm onwards. It is also recommended to view this further away from the city lights for clear viewing.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
First quarter moon will grace the sky on June 2. How to catch a glimpse.
Half of the moon will be illuminated as it reaches its first quarter phase on Monday, June 2. The first quarter phase marks the quarter point on the moon's monthly journey, according to NASA. During this position, the moon's illuminated side is half-lit, according to the agency. A first-quarter moon is ideal for observing here on Earth, NASA says, because it rises in the afternoon — around noon — and is high above the horizon in the evening before setting around midnight. Here's what to know about the first quarter phase and how to best view the moon. The moon has both a day and night side, with the sun always illuminating half of the moon. The portion of the illuminated half changes as the moon travels through its orbit. First quarter is the third phase of the moon's eight lunar phases. The cycle repeats about every 29.5 days, according to NASA. During the first quarter phase, one half of the moon will appear illuminated by direct sunlight, per NASA. However, even though the moon is half-visible from Earth during first quarter, it's not actually a half moon. According to NASA, during first quarter, only half of the moon's illuminated half is visible on Earth. A full moon is technically a half moon, because the sun is illuminating the full day side of the moon during that phase, per NASA. According to NASA, the moon will reach first quarter, or 50% illuminated, just before 11 p.m. EST, in the Northern Hemisphere on June 2. The exact timing will differ based on location. On the East Coast, the moon is expected to be at first quarter around 11:40 p.m. EST, according to The next first quarter phase will be on July 2, according to NASA. The moon's first quarter phase will be visible here on Earth. For those looking to catch a glimpse, NASA recommends a set of binoculars or a telescope, which will highlight the moon's texture and terrain. However, bare eyes also work. With no tools on hand, NASA says to look carefully and give your eyes time plenty of time to adjust — what you can see will vary based on your eyesight. When eyeballing the moon, you'll mostly see areas of either white or gray. The gray patches, called lunar maria or seas, are solidified volcanic lavas, according to NASA. NASA has a daily viewing guide which highlights the lunar maria that you may be able to see from Earth. Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Moon to reach first quarter, lighting half on June 2. What to know.
Indianapolis Star
02-06-2025
- Science
- Indianapolis Star
First quarter moon will grace the sky on June 2. How to catch a glimpse.
Half of the moon will be illuminated as it reaches its first quarter phase on Monday, June 2. The first quarter phase marks the quarter point on the moon's monthly journey, according to NASA. During this position, the moon's illuminated side is half-lit, according to the agency. A first-quarter moon is ideal for observing here on Earth, NASA says, because it rises in the afternoon — around noon — and is high above the horizon in the evening before setting around midnight. Here's what to know about the first quarter phase and how to best view the moon. The moon has both a day and night side, with the sun always illuminating half of the moon. The portion of the illuminated half changes as the moon travels through its orbit. First quarter is the third phase of the moon's eight lunar phases. The cycle repeats about every 29.5 days, according to NASA. During the first quarter phase, one half of the moon will appear illuminated by direct sunlight, per NASA. However, even though the moon is half-visible from Earth during first quarter, it's not actually a half moon. According to NASA, during first quarter, only half of the moon's illuminated half is visible on Earth. A full moon is technically a half moon, because the sun is illuminating the full day side of the moon during that phase, per NASA. According to NASA, the moon will reach first quarter, or 50% illuminated, just before 11 p.m. EST, in the Northern Hemisphere on June 2. The exact timing will differ based on location. On the East Coast, the moon is expected to be at first quarter around 11:40 p.m. EST, according to The next first quarter phase will be on July 2, according to NASA. The moon's first quarter phase will be visible here on Earth. For those looking to catch a glimpse, NASA recommends a set of binoculars or a telescope, which will highlight the moon's texture and terrain. However, bare eyes also work. With no tools on hand, NASA says to look carefully and give your eyes time plenty of time to adjust — what you can see will vary based on your eyesight. When eyeballing the moon, you'll mostly see areas of either white or gray. The gray patches, called lunar maria or seas, are solidified volcanic lavas, according to NASA. NASA has a daily viewing guide which highlights the lunar maria that you may be able to see from Earth.
