How much of the moon is always lit? 50% of the Moon is always lit by the sun unless the Earth eclipses the sun.
The Moon doesn't shine on its own as the sun does. When we look at the Moon, we see the sun's light reflected off it.
Each month, the Moon appears to experience a peculiar transition as it expands and contracts in the sky. Due to the Moon's orbit around the Earth, the Moon appears to be transforming in the sky. These are known as the Moon phases.
To comprehend what is occurring on the Moon, we must determine where this light originates and where it travels.
Continue reading to unravel the enigma behind how much of the Moon is always illuminated.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT LUNARPHASE PRO HERE!
Different phases of the Moon
There are eight moon phases. These eight Moon phases of a lunar month are classified into four primary and intermediate phases (waxing and waning).
- New Moon
- Waxing Crescent
- First Quarter
- Waxing Gibbous
- Full
- Waning Gibbous
- Third Quarter
- Waning Crescent
- Dark Moon
The primary phases of the Moon occur at a particular point in time, while the time between these points is the intermediate phase. The lunar cycle lasts around 29.5 days, or slightly less than a month.
How much is the Moon lit in its different phases?
In the sky, the Moon and Earth have a fairly interesting connection. Throughout its orbit, the Moon has many phases that either increase or decrease the visible area of its surface.
The Moon's surface never alters. Based on the time of month, you may observe more or less of the Moon, but its face remains constant. During the new Moon, the entire dark side of the Moon is visible, whereas, during the full Moon, the entire lighted side is visible.
Regardless of the Moon's current phase in the sky, an equal amount of sunlight hits the Moon.
It is a popular myth that the distant side of the Moon is perpetually dark and devoid of sunlight. However, that's not true.