November 22-26, 2025: After the New phase, the moon returns to the southwestern evening sky beginning November 22. Each night it appears farther eastward and higher as its crescent grows, offering several good opportunities to view earthshine through a binocular.
by Jeffrey L. Hunt
New Moon
The moon returns to the evening sky in the southwest on November 22nd. Each evening it appears farther eastward as its phase grows (waxes).
The moon started lunation 1273 — the number of lunar cycles since the count began over a century ago. The lunar orb was at the New phase, between Earth and Sun, on the 20th at 12:47 a.m. Central Time.
Earthshine
Earthshine – sunlight reflected from Earth’s features that softly lights up the lunar night – can be seen early in the lunation. Use a tripod-mounted camera or a steady smartphone camera to capture the view in exposures up to several seconds.
Here’s What to See at 45 Minutes after Sunset
• November 22: The crescent moon, 6% illuminated, is nearly 5° above the southwest horizon. It is in front of Sagittarius. Use a binocular to see the background stars.
• November 23: The 12% lit moon is over 10° above the southwest horizon, 2.0° below Sagittarius’ Nunki. Use a binocular to see them together. Look for earthshine with the binocular and without it.
• November 24: The waxing crescent moon, 19% illuminated, is nearly 20° above the west-southwest horizon. Another night for earthshine observing.
• November 25: The moon, 27% illuminated, is nearly 25° up in the west-southwest. Likely the last night for earthshine until the waning crescent moon.
• November 26: The 36% lit moon is 30° up in the south, 5.0° to the lower right of Deneb Algedi (the kid’s tail). Look around you — the moonlight is bright enough to cast shadows.
The moon reaches the First Quarter phase on the 28th at 12:59 a.m. Central Time.
Watch the moon appear farther eastward each evening as the lunation begins.
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