Waxing gibbous

Today's the day ......................... to be nearly full

In three days time, on 8th December, the moon will be a full moon - but just at the moment it is still in what they call its waxing gibbous phase.

This phase is when the moon is more than 50% illuminated but not yet a Full Moon. It lasts about 7 days with the moon becoming more illuminated each day until it is properly full.  At the moment it is about 93% illuminated.  The word 'gibbous' first appeared in the 14th century and has its roots in the Latin word "gibbosus" meaning humpbacked.

And as you can see, it has got itself caught on one of branches in our garden - so it might be around here for a while ........................