Friday nights moon, Waxing Crescent Illumination at 37%

Yesterday Friday, March 23, 2018 the moon was in the Waxing Crescent phase.

A Waxing Crescent is the first phase after the New Moon and it’s a great time to see the enormous craters, hills, and valleys on its surface.

When the moon is in this phase it can be seen in the western sky after the sun goes down. The moon will only shine on its right side’s edge.

As the days get closer to the next phase, the first quarter of the moon will become much brighter. This takes place on Saturday March 24, 2018 and will then be at the 50% illumination stage.

The First Quarter phase occurs over approximately 7 days. When the earth is one quarter of the way through its orbit. This it the time period when the moon will be exactly half illuminated and half dark.

On the day of its first quarter it will be high in the sky overhead.

The first quarter phase is only for one day. Then it goes on to it’s waxing gibbous phase.

Unfortunately, the sky happens to be cloudy here in Wisconsin this afternoon so I will not be able to photograph the The first quarter phase.

The lens I love using for my moon photos is the Tamron 150/600mm. I added a link so you can read up on this particular lens. Tamron recently released the new 150/600 G2.  Its focusing is supposed to be faster than the original. This would be great when photographing wildlife, especially the birds.

I also used this lens to view the 2018 solar eclipse with a specialized filter. It photographed the sun beautifully.

If your looking for a third party and affordable lens, then take a look at the Tamron. Do some comparisons with other compatible lens. I’ve been very happy with mine and have had no focusing issues with it. This is a heavy lens so if your going to out in the field carrying it around all day, I recommend you use a tripod or mono-pod.

Happy star gazing!