In our last Stewardship Tip earlier this year on the evening of a full moon, we discussed what we can do to reduce the negative effects of light pollution. The critical role of natural darkness fluctuations in the night sky is also closely related to today’s Connection Cue. Last night on August 16th, we had what is called a “new moon,” when the moon rises and sets together with the sun, leaving only its shadow side facing the earth. This means that on the night of a new moon, the earth receives no reflected light from the moon’s surface as our night skies plunge into the darkest phase of the lunar cycle. This is a particularly fun and unique time to interact with nature! One of the most enjoyable elements of a new moon is the enhanced ability to stargaze, since the stars are not competing for visibility with the moonlight. During the winter months, new moons are a particularly delightful treat, since stargazing is also improved by the shorter days and lengthier midwinter nights, affording us more time to explore the night sky.
Tonight you will see the very first sliver of a waxing crescent. The moon's light will continue to bloom in the heavens until we experience the crescendo of a full moon. Once the full moon has come and gone, the phases of the moon will march on until the light of the moon has completely vanished into a new moon phase, ready to start the endless cycle anew. Though the new moon was last night, stargazing will still be easier tonight than it will be for the next couple of weeks as the moon grows brighter. So, if you have the fortune of favorable weather in your area, feel free to lose yourself in the vast expanse of our glorious sky under a newborn waxing crescent tonight! To learn more about the moon, stargazing, and the magic of the natural rhythms of light and dark on planet earth, check out the links below, for parents and kids alike!
Stargazing for Kids
A Kid's Guide to Stargazing (American Museum of Natural History)
All About the Moon for Kids
Facts About the Moon! (Nat Geo Kids)
What Are the Moon's Phases? (NASA)
Effects of the Moon
How Does the Moon Affect Life on Earth? (Natural History Museum)
How The Moon Affects the Earth with More Than Just Its Light (The Conversation)
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