Moon's Phases from Waning Crescent to Full and Eclipse Events
The Moon began in its waning crescent phase with minimal illumination, preceding a new moon and an annular solar eclipse visible from Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. It then transitioned through waxing crescent and waxing gibbous phases, with illumination increasing from about 16% to over 90%, offering clear views of lunar features. The Moon reached nearly full illumination, coinciding with a total lunar eclipse, often referred to as a 'blood moon. ' Following this, it entered the waning gibbous phase with illumination decreasing to around 70%, then moved through the last quarter phase with about 52-60% illumination.
Later, the Moon entered the waning crescent phase again, with illumination dropping to approximately 9. 7% as it approached the new moon. This sequence of phases was observed over several weeks, highlighting the Moon's changing visibility and its alignment with the Sun and Earth that caused both a total lunar eclipse and an annular solar eclipse during this period.
