Nesta Tuesday (19), Lua is in its new phase. The Earth’s satellite completes another lunar cycle, which began a few days ago, while the May calendar presents all the transformations that the celestial body undergoes throughout the month. The next transition to the growing phase occurs on May 23, with an estimated duration of approximately seven days, as the satellite’s entire cyclical process works.
The total lunar cycle, known as lunation, has an average duration of 29.5 days. Durante During this period, Lua goes through four distinct phases: new, waxing, full and waning. Cada one of these stages lasts about seven days and determines the satellite’s visibility level when observed from Terra.
Cronograma full May
The month of May features a well-distributed lunar calendar:
- Lua full: May 1st, at 2:23 pm
- Lua waning: May 9th, at 6:10 pm
- Lua new: May 16th, at 5:01 pm
- Lua rising: May 23, at 8:10 am
The monthly sequence started with Lua full on the first day. Posteriormente, the satellite entered the waning phase, evolving into the new phase on the 16th. The cycle closes with the arrival of the waxing phase on the 23rd, bringing the month towards its end.
Como works the phases of Lua
The four phases of Lua are a direct result of the gravitational interaction between the satellite, Sol and Terra. Conforme the relative position of these three celestial bodies changes, the amount of sunlight reflected by Lua also changes, affecting its visibility from our planet.
The waning Lua has a similar shape to the letters D and C, depending on the observer’s perspective on the Hemisfério Sul. Nesta phase, solar illumination gradually reduces on the lunar surface. The new phase represents the moment in which the satellite is positioned in the same direction as Sol in relation to Terra. Durante At this stage, the satellite remains in the sky during the day and is not visible from our planet.
The growing Lua displays the western half illuminated by sunlight. Quando seen from Hemisfério Sul, it resembles the letter C, while in Hemisfério Norte it looks like the letter D. The full Lua is the brightest phase, characterized by maximum visibility in Terra. The satellite is positioned in the opposite direction to Sol, reflecting light on practically its entire surface.
Diferenças between hemispheres
The same satellite has a different appearance depending on the geographic location of the observer in Terra. Moradores of Hemisfério Sul see Lua in an inverted way in relation to what appears to observers of Hemisfério Norte. Essa change occurs exclusively from a visual perspective and does not alter the physical characteristics of the satellite.
An important curiosity is that humanity always observes the same lunar face as Terra. Esse phenomenon occurs because the rotational movement of Lua occurs in the same period as its translational movement around our planet, always keeping the same side facing us.
Dados over Lua
The distance between Lua and Terra is approximately 399,877.13 kilometers. Esse value, however, does not remain constant. The lunar orbit has a slight eccentricity, which means that the distance varies slightly throughout the month. Quando the satellite is closer to Terra, the phenomenon known as perigee occurs. Quando is further away, it is called apogee.
Lua continues to be an object of scientific and cultural interest for billions of people on the planet. Desde From ancient civilizations that use the lunar calendar to modern observatories that track every satellite movement, the lunar cycle remains a constant reference for humanity.