Are you looking up at the sky and wondering, “What Moon Phase Are We In?” Today, we find ourselves under the gentle glow of a Waning Gibbous moon. This lunar phase is a beautiful stage in the moon’s monthly cycle, appearing in the late night and early morning hours. Let’s delve into what this means and explore more about the moon’s fascinating phases.
Decoding the Waning Gibbous Moon
On February 18th, the Waning Gibbous moon shines with 71% illumination. This percentage represents how much of the moon’s surface is lit by the sun as viewed from Earth. The illumination isn’t static; it’s constantly changing, decreasing by as much as 10% each day during this phase. At 20.13 days into its cycle on February 18th, the moon is moving further away from the Full Moon and approaching the Last Quarter phase. It’s important to remember that the moon completes its orbit around the Earth and cycles through all eight phases in approximately 29.53 days, a period known as a lunar month.
During the Waning Gibbous phase, you’ll typically see the moon rising later each night, generally between 9 pm and midnight. It graces the western horizon in the early morning daylight, a celestial beacon for early risers. This phase follows the Full Moon and leads to the Last Quarter Moon, marking a period of decreasing illumination as we journey towards the New Moon.
Moon Sign Today: Scorpio’s Influence
Beyond the phase, the moon’s position in the zodiac also holds astrological significance. Currently, the moon is in Scorpio, residing at 2.05 degrees within this sign. The Moon entered Scorpio on Loading… and will move into Sagittarius on Loading…. The zodiac moon sign reflects the moon’s apparent location as it traverses the twelve constellations of the zodiac. Each moon sign’s transit lasts roughly 2 to 2.5 days, influencing subtle energies and emotional tones according to astrological beliefs.
Exploring the 8 Lunar Phases
The moon’s journey through its 29.53-day cycle is marked by eight distinct lunar phases. These phases are broadly categorized into four major and four minor stages. The major phases are the Full Moon and New Moon, along with the First Quarter and Last Quarter Moons. In between these significant points are the minor phases: Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous, and Waning Crescent. Each phase offers a unique perspective and visual experience as the moon waxes and wanes in the sky. To learn more about the complete lunar cycle and each individual phase, resources like the Wikipedia Lunar Phase page provide comprehensive information.
Understanding the current moon phase, like today’s Waning Gibbous, connects us to the natural rhythms of our celestial neighbor. Observing the moon’s phases is a simple yet profound way to engage with the wonders of the cosmos.
