The moon reaches its first quarter phase on Friday (Nov. 28), marking a perfect opportunity to explore the half-lit lunar disk as it shines among the stars of the constellation Aquarius in the hours following sunset.

December's first quarter moon phase occurs at 1:59 a.m.EST (0659 GMT) on Nov. 28, when the right side of the moon will appear illuminated by direct sunlight from our Earthly perspective, while the left side will be hidden behind a veil of impenetrable shadow.

The first quarter moon rises around noon and sets close to midnight and so will have slipped below the horizon for viewers in the U.S. by the time it officially reaches the orbital milestone. Stargazers in America will get their best view of the half-lit lunar disk as it hangs above the eastern horizon in the hours foll

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