{"id":21509,"date":"2021-07-29T08:47:01","date_gmt":"2021-07-29T08:47:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.skyatnightmagazine.com\/?p=97689"},"modified":"2021-07-29T08:15:46","modified_gmt":"2021-07-29T08:15:46","slug":"how-to-observe-a-quarter-moon","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/rss_feed\/how-to-observe-a-quarter-moon\/","title":{"rendered":"How to observe a quarter Moon"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>

By Paul Deans\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Thursday, 29 July 2021 at 12:00 am<\/p>

\n\n

A first quarter Moon may sound like something of a misnomer to beginner lunar observers who note that, rather than being a quarter-lit as the name might suggest, the Moon appears half-lit.<\/p>\n

Similarly, towards the end of the lunar month, the \u2018last quarter Moon\u2019 phase may cause similar consternations. Last quarter? what happened to the 2nd and 3rd quarters?<\/p>\n

During the phases of the Moon<\/a>, the first quarter marks the point a quarter of the way through the entire lunar cycle.<\/p>\n

And, when you think about it, the side of the Moon we\u2019re seeing is a quarter lit, because we are seeing one half of the Moon, half-illuminated.<\/p>\n

\""First\"<\/div>
First Quarter Moon by Tom Chitson, Woking, Surrey, UK. Equipment: Sky Watcher Evostar 80ED, Nikon D3000, EQ3-2 Mount<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

In contrast, the last quarter Moon occurs towards the end of the lunar cycle and marks the final stage of the waning phase, taking us from full Moon back to new Moon.<\/p>\n

The terms first quarter and last quarter probably make more sense if we go through the phases of the Moon, bit by bit.<\/p>\n

The whole lunar cycle lasts around 29 days, and during that time it passes through several stages.<\/p>\n

\""The\"<\/div>
The phases of the Moon. Credit: Yaorusheng \/ Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

During a lunar month, the Moon goes from new Moon<\/strong>, through the waxing crescent<\/strong> phase up to first quarter<\/strong> when the Moon\u2019s disc appears half illuminated.<\/p>\n

As more of the Moon is illuminated by the Sun beyond the halfway point on the lunar disc, this is known as the waxing gibbous<\/strong> phase, which progresses until full Moon<\/strong><\/a>, when the lunar disc is fully illuminated.<\/p>\n

Then, the cycle reverses and goes from full Moon<\/strong>, through a waning gibbous<\/strong> phase until last quarter<\/strong> when, again, the lunar disc is half-illuminated (but this time on the opposite side).<\/p>\n

Slowly, less and less of the Moon\u2019s disc is illuminated during the waning crescent<\/strong> phase, until we\u2019re back to new Moon<\/strong> and the cycle begins again.<\/p>\n

First quarter takes place around day 7 of the lunar month, and last quarter around day 22.<\/p>\n

\""Last\"<\/div>
Last Quarter Moon by Andrew McNaught, Gloucestershire, UK. Equipment: Sky-watcher ST102 Refractor, i-Nova NNB Cx OSC CCD, Skywatcher EQ8 Mount.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Observing a quarter Moon<\/strong><\/h1>\n

There\u2019s lots to see on the Moon during the first quarter. Unlike during a full Moon, the terminator (the line marking the division between the lit and unlit sides of the Earth-facing lunar disc) is visible, splitting the side of the Moon we see right down the middle.<\/p>\n

Shadows thrown onto the lunar surface at and around the terminator make some of the Moon\u2019s craters and other surface features like lunar Maria<\/a> really stand out, making this a great time to get out a pair of binoculars or a telescope and observe the lunar surface.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take a look at some of the best features to see during first quarter and last quarter.<\/p>\n

For advice on exploring the Moon with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope \u2013 whatever the phase \u2013 read our guides on how to observe the Moon<\/a> and the best features on the Moon<\/a>.<\/p>\n

First quarter<\/strong><\/h2>\n

There\u2019s a range of features to see on a first quarter Moon.<\/p>\n

Near the middle of the Moon is Hipparchus, a large, low-walled crater. The 150km- (94 mile) wide Hipparchus has another crater, Horrocks, within it near its northeastern rim.<\/p>\n

South of Hipparchus is the 136km- (85 mile) wide crater Albategnius, with another crater (Klein) on its southwestern flank.<\/p>\n

In the north, the vast Mare Imbrium \u2013 a plain over 1,120km wide \u2013 is beginning to show. In Latin, Mare Imbrium means \u2018Sea of Showers\u2019.<\/p>\n

\""Plato\"<\/div>
Crater Plato and Mare Imbrium by Mike Jennings, W. Yorkshire, UK. Equipment: Celestron C8 SCT, Advanced GT Mount, QHY5 CCD.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

On its eastern edge you\u2019ll find the 55km (34 mile) crater Aristillus, with the smaller (39km) crater Autolycus below it and the larger (57km) Cassini, above. They\u2019re surrounded by mountain ranges.<\/p>\n

To the south is Montes Apenninus<\/a>, named after the Apennines in Italy.\u00a0Due east is Montes Caucasus, and to the north is Montes Alpes.<\/p>\n

Splitting the Montes Alpes is a 190km- (119 mile) long valley, Vallis Alpes.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s easy to spot with a small scope, but you\u2019ll need a large (20cm) scope to see the narrow channel that winds along the valley floor.<\/p>\n

\""The\"<\/div>
Credit: Pete Lawrence<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Last quarter<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The last quarter phase of the Moon is wonderful, because there\u2019s great contrast between the bright, rugged craters near the terminator and the dark, flat mare to the west.<\/p>\n

Lunar sunset approaches the craters Ptolemaeus, Alphonsus, and Arzachel.<\/p>\n

\""Plato\"<\/div>
Plato and Vallis Alpes by David Ettie, Washington, Tyne and Wear, UK. Equipment: Celestron 9.25\u2033 SCT, Skywatcher HEQ5 Pro mount, Neximage 10.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Look to the north of the Moon at the vast Mare Imbrium. The craters and mountain peaks on its eastern side are stunning, especially the 101km (63 mile) crater Plato on the mare\u2019s northernmost fringe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Its dark, lava-flooded floor stands out against the surrounding bright lunar highlands. Use high magnification to look for shadows cast by Plato Crater<\/a>\u2019s walls onto its floor.<\/p>\n

Can you spot the clair-obscur<\/a> effect known as Plato\u2019s Hook? This trick of the light is best seen one day after first quarter.<\/p>\n

Due south of Plato, standing alone in Imbrium, is Mons Pico, a 2,400m (8,000ft) mountain. It\u2019s only about the same height as the lower peaks of the Italian Dolomites.<\/p>\n

But when the angle of light is low, Mons Pico stands out superbly, casting a long shadow onto the Mare Imbrium.<\/p>\n

\""The\"<\/div>
Credit: Pete Lawrence<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

South of Mons Pico is the largest crater in Mare Imbrium \u2013 the dark-floored 83km (52 mile) Archimedes. Look out for the triangular promontory that extends from the southeast edge of its walls.<\/p>\n

To the northeast of Mare Imbrium is Montes Alpes. Watch the terminator as it moves across this mountain range. As the valleys plunge into darkness, the peaks remain lit.<\/p>\n

Pictures of the quarter Moon<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Below is a selection of images of the Moon at and around the quarter phases, captured by astrophotographers and BBC Sky at Night Magazine<\/em> readers.<\/p>\n

For lunar imaging advice, read our beginner\u2019s guide to astrophotography<\/a> or our dedicated tutorial on how to photograph the Moon<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Or if sketching is more your thing, read our guide on how to draw the Moon<\/a>.<\/p>\n

And don\u2019t forget to send us your images<\/a> or share them with us via Facebook<\/a>, Twitter<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\""The\"<\/div>\n

The Moon by Steve Judge, Manchester, UK. Equipment: Sky-Watcher 150P Newtonian Reflector, Canon EOS 500D, EQ3 mount.<\/p>\n

\""Moon\"<\/div>
Moon Mosaic by Darren Carver, Manchester, UK. Equipment: Nexstar 8 GPS, wedge mount, Canon EOS 1000d<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Half\"<\/div>
Half Way by Matt, Dudley, UK. Equipment: Chinese 8\u2033 reflector, Fujifilm Finepic S 2800 HD<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""A\"<\/div>
A \u201cBlue\u201d Moon by Jason Meadows, Kent, UK. Equipment: Bresser Messier N-150, 25mm eyepiece, Barlow x2, Panasonic Lumix TZ5<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Moon\"<\/div>
Moon by Michael Fennings, London, UK. Equipment: Celestron 130EQ\/MD, Phillips SPC800(flashed to SPC9800).<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Moon\"<\/div>
Moon by David Burr, Wimborne, UK. Equipment: Canon 450d, Adapter<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""First\"<\/div>
First Quarter Moon by Tom Chitson, Woking, Surrey, UK. Equipment: Sky Watcher Explorer 130p, EQ2 Mount, Sony Cybershot W210i.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Waxing\"<\/div>
Waxing Moon by Simon Hurrell, West Berkshire, UK. Equipment: Celestron 127SLT, Flashed SPC880NC, IR Filter, Astro engineering focal reducer.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""First\"<\/div>
First Quarter Moon by Michael Fennings, London, UK. Equipment: Celestron 130EQ, Phillips 880 (flashed to 9800).<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""First\"<\/div>
First ever lunar shot by Raymond Burling, Isle of Dogs, London, UK. Equipment: Canon 550D, SW80ED (Prime Focus)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Moon\"<\/div>
Moon by Alan Mcgough, Manchetser, UK. Equipment: Skywatcher Skymax 127 5\u2033 Maksutov, Canon 1000d.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Misty\"<\/div>
Misty Moon by Danny Lee, Kent, UK. Equipment: Skywatcher 150p, EQ5 PRO GOTO, Nikon D40 at prime focus<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Moon\"<\/div>
Moon by Joseph Broadhurst, Telford, Shropshire, UK. Equipment: LX 90 Schmidt Cassegrain 8\u2033, Canon EOS 1000D<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""The\"<\/div>
The Moon by Wayne Stallard, Essex, UK. Equipment: EQ6 PRO Mount, William Optics FLT132, Tele-Vue 2x Power Mate, Canon 400d.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""The\"<\/div>
The Moon by Kiren Billaney, Beverley, UK. Equipment: Nikon Coolpix L120<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Half\"<\/div>
Half Moon by David Bennett, Belvedere, UK. Equipment: Celestron Astro Master 130EQ, 10mm lens, omni 2x barlow lens, Samsung ES28 camera<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Waxing\"<\/div>
Waxing Gibbous by Jennie Dummett, South Wales, UK. Equipment: Skywatcher Skyliner 200P Dobsonian, DMC-FX33<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Half\"<\/div>
Half Moon by Russ Weymouth, Colchester, UK. Equipment: Skywatcher 190 Maksutov Newtonian, Canon EOS40D attached at prime focus.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Half\"<\/div>
Half Moon by Martin Bailey, Gnosall, Staffs, UK. Equipment: Canon 1000D, Skywatcher 200PDS.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\n
\""Moon\"<\/div>
Moon by Stephen Dean, Isle of Wight, UK. Equipment: Skywatcher 80 mm ED pro, Canon 1100D.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Half\"<\/div>
Half Moon by Ronan Monaghan, Belleek, N. Ireland. Equipment: Microsoft Lifecam Webcam, Skywatcher 150p<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Moon\"<\/div>
Moon 62.8% Illuminated in near Perfect Seeing by Steve Ward, Red Lodge, Suffolk, UK. Equipment: Canon EOS1000D, Skywatcher Mak180Pro.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Lunar\"<\/div>
Lunar 166 Frame Mosaic by Wayne Stallard, Basildon, Essex, UK. Equipment: Astro-Physics Mach 1 GTO Mount, IKHAROS 10\u2033 RC SCOPE, Point Grey Flea3.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Another\"<\/div>
Another Early Morning Moon by Aprill Harper, Blunham, Bedfordshire, UK. Equipment: Samsung NX1000, SkyWatcher 8\u2033 Dobsonian.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Moon\"<\/div>
Moon First Quarter taken at Wembley by Paul Licorish, Wembley, UK. Equipment: Celestron Nexstar 5Se, Canon 650D, Variable Polarizer<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Moon\"<\/div>
Moon by David Hallam. Equipment: Celestron Nexstar SLT127, Cannon EOS 1100<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Moon\"<\/div>
Moon by David Hallam. Equipment: Celestron Nexstar SLT127, Cannon EOS 1100<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Moon\"<\/div>
Moon by Richard Preston Lawford, Margate, UK. Equipment: Sony DCS-H300, tripod<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""My\"<\/div>
My first lunar mosaic!! by Roshaan Bukhari, Lahore, Pakistan. Equipment: Meade 70mm Refractor, Orion StarShoot Planetary Camera.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Moon\"<\/div>
Moon Shot by John O\u2019Mahony, Sydney, NSW. Equipment: Canon 7D, Meade 8\u2033SCT.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Moon\"<\/div>
Moon by John Short, Whitburn, Tyne and Wear, UK. Equipment: 80mm Altair triplet , Canon 70D<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Moon\"<\/div>
Moon by Wayne Clark, Doncaster, UK. Equipment: Canon 650D, Meade ETX80<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Moon\"<\/div>
Moon Mosaic by John Short, Whitburn, Tyne and Wear, UK. Equipment: Canon 70, Celestron 8SE, Hyperion 8mm-24mm eyepiece.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""The\"<\/div>
The Moon by Bill McSorley, Leeds, UK. Equipment: Celestron 5se, QHY5L-ll OSC planetary camera.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""The\"<\/div>
The Moon 15 Image Mosaic by John Short, Whitburn, Tyne and Wear, Uk. Equipment: Canon 70D, Celestron 8SE, 2x Barlow, CGEM mount<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Half\"<\/div>
Half Moon by Matt Brimble, Newport, South Wales, UK. Equipment: Celestron Powerseeker 70az, Samsung WB150f.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Moon\"<\/div>
Moon 23rd June by Pat Rodgers, UK. Equipment: Scope SW200p, Camera ATIK314l+ mono, Mount AZ-EQ6 GT.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""First\"<\/div>
First Quarter Moon by Gavin James, Marlborough, UK. Equipment: Celestron EdgeHD 800, ASI120-MC-S.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""November\"<\/div>
November Moon by Steve Brown, Stokesley, N. Yorkshire, UK. Equipment: Canon 600D, NexStar 6SE.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Half\"<\/div>
Half Moon, Tavira, Portugal by Giles, Tavira, Portugal. Equipment: FujiFilm Finepix s Bridge Camera 14 megapixels 30x zoom<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Colourful\"<\/div>
Colourful Moon 2 by Jonathan Killick, Scunthorpe, UK. Equipment: Nexstar 8SE, Canon 350d<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Moon\"<\/div>
Moon with Earthshine by Tom Howard, Crawley, West Sussex, UK. Equipment: Nikon D7000, Meade 5000 127mm refractor, Skywatcher AZ-EQ6 mount.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Lunar\"<\/div>
Lunar Mosaic by Samuele Draghi, Saronno, Italy. Equipment: Celestron C8, Barlow 2x, Sony alpha 58.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Waxing\"<\/div>
Waxing Crescent Moon by Paul Crow, Ramsgate, UK. Equipment: Celestron Nexstar127, ZWO ASI120MC<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Half\"<\/div>
Half Moon by Sarah & Simon Fisher, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, UK. Equipment: Prime focus single shot, Canon 600D, Maksutov 127mm.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Stack\"<\/div>
Stack the Moon by Guy Vermeeren, Schoten, Belgium. Equipment: Sony Alpha 58, Maksutov Orion 102mm<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""The\"<\/div>
The Moon by David Hewitt, UK. Equipment: Celestron Nexstar SLT 102, CCD webcam<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""The\"<\/div>
The Moon by Callum Pennington, St. Helens, Merseyside, UK. Equipment: Sky-Watcher BK 1309 EQ2 130mm telescope, smartphone.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""First\"<\/div>
First Quarter Moon by Sarah & Simon Fisher, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, UK. Equipment: Canon 600D, Mak 127mm telescope<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Moon\"<\/div>
Moon by Nick, Milan, Italy. Equipment: Canon 760, 300mm lens.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Waxing\"<\/div>
Waxing Gibbous Moon by Sarah & Simon Fisher, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, UK. Equipment: Canon 600D, Maksutov 127mm.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Half\"<\/div>
Half Moon by James Robertson, London, UK. Equipment: Canon 1100d, 8\u2033 SCT f7\/1400<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Lunar\"<\/div>
Lunar Montage by David Ettie, Washington, Tyne and Wear, UK. Equipment: Celestron 9.25SCT Evolution, HD EQ wedge<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Quarter\"<\/div>
Quarter Moon by Harvey Scoot, Essex, UK. Equipment: Altair Astro 102 Wave triplet Apo, Mesu mount, ZWO224MC CCD, IR filter.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\n
\""Our\"<\/div>
Our Neighbour by Ralph Clark, East Rainton, UK. Equipment: Skywatcher 250 mm Dobsonian, DSLR.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Waxing\"<\/div>
Waxing Gibbous Moon by Sarah & Simon Fisher, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, UK. Equipment: Canon 600D, Maksutov 127mm.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Down\"<\/div>
Down Under First Quarter by Julie Straayer, Albany Creek, Queensland, Australia. Equipment: Skywatcher150pro Maksutov, Skywatcher AZEQ5 Mount, Celestron Ultima 18mm eyepiece, Samsung Galaxy J5 smartphone, Orion Steadypix EZ smartphone adapter<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""An\"<\/div>
An Exceptional Libration by Avani Soares, Parsec Observatory, Canoas, Brazil. Equipment: C14 Edge, ASI 224, L filter<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""The\"<\/div>
The Moon by William Ian Hamilton, Gloucestershire, UK. Equipment: Canon EOS100D, Mead LX90.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Bank\"<\/div>
Bank Holiday Moon by Sarah & Simon Fisher, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, UK. Equipment: Canon 600D, Mak 127mm.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Moon\"<\/div>
Moon over Stafford by Mark Fuller, Wildwood, Stafford, UK. Equipment: Altair Hypercam 183c, Altair CLS-CCD Filter, Skywatcher ED100 refractor.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Moon\"<\/div>
Moon 27th Oct 2017 by Brett Haines, Kingsteignton, UK. Equipment: 8\u2033 Telescope, Mobile Phone.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Half\"<\/div>
Half Moon Dec 25 2017 by Michael Trimeloni, Spring Valley, Arizona, USA. Equipment: Celestron 90AZ Inspire, iPhone.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Grey\"<\/div>
Grey Moon by Alex Higgs, Hessle, UK. Equipment: 20\u00d780 binoculars<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Amateur\"<\/div>
Amateur Moon Pic by Alex Higgs, Hessle, UK. Equipment: 20\u00d780 binoculars, Smartphone.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""First\"<\/div>
First Quarter Moon by Sarah & Simon Fisher, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, UK. Equipment: Canon 600D, Maksutov 127mm<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Half\"<\/div>
Half Moon by Keith Bramley, Pilling, Preston, UK. Equipment: Atik 383L+ Mono, 190MN, EQ6, Baader Luminance and 1.8ND Filter<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Moon\"<\/div>
Moon by Alex Higgs, Hessle, UK. Equipment: Canon SX430is<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""First\"<\/div>
First Quarter Moon by Sarah & Simon Fisher, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, UK. Equipment: Canon 600D, Mak 127mm scope, prime focus single shot<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""Solstice\"<\/div>
Solstice Moon by Sarah & Simon Fisher, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, UK. Equipment: Canon 600D, Mak 127mm scope, prime focus single shot.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

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By Paul Deans Published: Thursday, 29 July 2021 at 12:00 am A first quarter Moon may sound like something of a misnomer to beginner lunar observers who note that, rather than being a quarter-lit as the name might suggest, the Moon appears half-lit. Similarly, towards the end of the lunar month, the \u2018last quarter Moon\u2019 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":0,"template":"","categories":[34],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"17"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":false,"thumbnail":false,"medium":false,"medium_large":false,"large":false,"1536x1536":false,"2048x2048":false},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"By Paul Deans Published: Thursday, 29 July 2021 at 12:00 am A first quarter Moon may sound like something of a misnomer to beginner lunar observers who note that, rather than being a quarter-lit as the name might suggest, the Moon appears half-lit. Similarly, towards the end of the lunar month, the \u2018last quarter Moon\u2019…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/21509"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21509"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21509"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}