Catch the half-lit moon in its third quarter phase today!

The moon will be half-illuminated during its third quarter phase on May 12, visible globally around dawn. This marks the midway point between the full moon and the new moon, which signals the start of a new lunar cycle. The moon has been rising and setting an hour later each subsequent night and day, and will continue to do so until it is completely dark on May 19. Skywatchers can observe the moon with telescopes or binoculars, and can photograph it using astrophotography techniques.