Soon it will be a full moon: discover why the Moon changes phases and how to identify its current phase.

The natural satellite of Earth, the Moon, is one of the most studied objects in space. It does not emit light itself but reflects sunlight. When observed from Earth, we see varying amounts of sunlight reflecting off the Moon's surface, resulting in changes to its appearance.

The Moon orbits around the Earth, while the Earth revolves around the Sun. As these celestial bodies move, the angle between them changes, affecting how much of the Moon's surface is illuminated by sunlight and is visible from Earth.

What are lunar phases?

Lunar phases refer to the different appearances of the Moon that we observe from Earth. They make up the lunar cycle, which lasts about 29.5 days. This cycle includes several distinct phases:

• new moon, often called "young" — the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun; its illuminated side faces away from us.
• full moon — when we see the entire Moon, observing the fully illuminated side by the Sun.
• two lunar quarters.

How to determine if the Moon is waxing or waning?

The waxing of the Moon is often associated with periods of activity. To determine if the Moon is waxing, you can draw a vertical line to the left of it. If an imaginary "P" forms, then the Moon is waxing. If it resembles a "C," then the Moon is waning, or "aging."

When is the full moon in November?

A lunar phase calendar helps determine the phase of the Moon. On November 1, a new moon will be visible from Earth, and the Moon will wax until November 15. The full moon will occur on November 16. From November 17 to 30, the Moon will be waning.

Previously, "Telegraph" reported on when the Leonid meteor shower could be observed in the sky in November. Up to 20 meteors per hour may be seen.