Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 51-99%|Phase angle: ~135°
More than half of the Moon is now illuminated and growing toward full. The word 'gibbous' comes from the Latin word for 'hump' or 'hunchbacked,' describing the shape of the lit area. This phase is visible from afternoon through most of the night.
Orbital Geometry
More than half of the near side is now illuminated, with the angle between Sun, Earth, and Moon at roughly 135°. The word 'gibbous' derives from Latin 'gibbosus' meaning humped.
Visibility & Observation
Rises in the afternoon and is prominent in the evening sky, setting after midnight. The Moon is bright enough to cast visible shadows on the ground.
Tidal Effects
Tidal range increases as the Moon approaches opposition with the Sun, building toward the spring tides of the full moon.