Tonight, November 8, 2025, the moon will appear as a Waning Gibbous, meaning approximately 87% of its surface is illuminated. This phase marks a point in the lunar cycle as we move towards the approaching New Moon. Understanding the lunar cycle is a fascinating glimpse into the relationship between the Earth, Moon, and Sun.
What’s Happening with the Moon’s Phases?
The moon’s phases, a regular cycle lasting around 29.5 days, are a direct result of the changing angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. As the Moon orbits our planet, the amount of sunlight reflecting off its surface changes, creating the familiar sequence we observe. It’s important to remember that we always see the same side of the moon – what varies is the amount of that side illuminated by the sun.
Observing the Moon Tonight: What to Look For
Even without sophisticated equipment, the moon offers captivating sights. Here’s what you might be able to observe:
- With the naked eye: Copernicus Crater, Mare Tranquillitatis (the Sea of Tranquility), and Tycho Crater.
- With binoculars: Gassendi Crater, Clavius Crater, and Alphonsus Crater offer greater detail.
- With a telescope: Reiner Gamma, the site of the Apollo 17 landing, and the Fra Mauro Highlands become visible.
The Eight Key Moon Phases
The moon goes through a predictable sequence of eight phases. Here’s a quick rundown:
- New Moon: The moon is positioned between Earth and the sun, rendering it invisible to us.
- Waxing Crescent: A small sliver of light appears on the right side (as viewed from the Northern Hemisphere).
- First Quarter: Half of the moon is illuminated on the right side – resembling a half-moon.
- Waxing Gibbous: More than half of the moon is lit, but it’s not yet full.
- Full Moon: The entire face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.
- Waning Gibbous: The moon begins to lose light on its right side (Northern Hemisphere).
- Third Quarter (or Last Quarter): Another half-moon shape, but with the left side illuminated.
- Waning Crescent: A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before the cycle restarts.
When Will We See the Next Full Moon?
Mark your calendars! The next full moon is scheduled for December 4. This marks a significant shift in the lunar cycle, transitioning from the Waning Gibbous phase to the Full Moon. Understanding these predictable cycles provides a deeper appreciation of the celestial relationship between Earth and its moon.
