Watch the 1st half-lit first quarter moon of 2023 rise tonight

January 28, 2023

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On Saturday, Jan. 28, skywatchers will be capable to see the 12 months’s first first quarter moon, when the moon seems to be half-lit from the attitude of Earth.

Throughout the US, the moon will rise within the late morning and be seen till it units round midnight some 13 or 14 hours later, relying in your particular location. In New York Metropolis, the moon will rise at 10:53 a.m. EST (1553 GMT) and set at 12:40 a.m. EST (0540 GMT) on Jan. 29, in keeping with skywatching website In-the-sky.org (opens in new tab).

Although you could possibly see the moon throughout daylight hours, the very best time to have a look is after the sun units. Sundown in New York Metropolis happens at 5:07 p.m. EST (1007 GMT). At that time, the moon can be 62 levels excessive within the southeast sky. (Keep in mind: Your fist held out at arm’s size equals roughly 10 levels within the sky.)

Associated: What is the moon phase today? Lunar phases 2023

The primary quarter phase is considered one of 4 within the moon’s cycle because it orbits Earth, which lasts 29.5 days. This month, we’ve got already skilled the three different phases: A full moon on Jan. 6, a final quarter moon on Jan. 14, and a new moon on Jan. 21, which marked the Lunar New Year generally celebrated all over the world.

Subsequent up for lunar observers would be the full Snow Moon on Feb. 5, however earlier than then, you will have an opportunity to see a comet. Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) is now visible within the night time sky, and it’ll attain perigee, or its closest level to Earth throughout its orbit, on Feb. 1.

In case you’re keen on taking pictures of the moon throughout its first quarter, take a look at our useful how to photograph the moon information for the very best lunar images ideas and tips. We even have guides to the best cameras for astrophotography and best lenses for astrophotography if you’ll want to gear up for this or different celestial occasions, together with the shut method of comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF).

Editor’s Be aware: In case you snap the moon throughout its first quarter phase and wish to share it with Area.com’s readers, ship your photograph(s), feedback, and your title and placement to spacephotos@space.com.

Comply with Stefanie Waldek on Twitter @StefanieWaldek (opens in new tab). Comply with us @Spacedotcom (opens in new tab), or on Facebook (opens in new tab) and Instagram (opens in new tab).