On October 28 at 12:21 P.M. EDT, skywatchers will have the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the First Quarter Moon, which will be prominently displayed in the southern sky as it sets shortly before midnight. This lunar phase showcases the Moon’s rugged terrain divided by the lunar terminator, the line demarcating day and night.
As the Moon reaches its First Quarter, observers will notice the southeast limb marked by the bright crater Stevinus, a striking feature characterized by its vivid ejecta rays and a significant central peak. This crater becomes particularly prominent during the First Quarter phase due to the favorable lighting conditions provided by the Sun.
Additionally, the First Quarter Moon offers a perfect vantage point to explore the maria—dark lowland areas formed by ancient volcanic activity—which can easily be seen on the illuminated side of the Moon. The lunar landscape is dotted with many large, round craters, especially along the southern terminator, adding to the visual spectacle for those with telescopes or even binoculars.
In an exciting coincidence, October 28 also marks a great moment for astronomy enthusiasts to keep an eye on the dwarf planet Ceres as it moves across the night sky, making this date particularly fruitful for celestial observations. For those looking to engage with the cosmos, now is an excellent time to venture outside and enjoy these astronomical phenomena.