As of September 13, 2025, the moon is in its **Waning Gibbous** phase, appearing approximately **60% illuminated** from Earth. This phase occurs as the moon transitions towards the New Moon, which means that in the coming days, the moon will gradually become less visible. The lunar cycle, which spans about **29.5 days**, is a result of the moon’s orbit around Earth and the varying angles formed with the Sun. This information is sourced from **NASA’s Daily Moon Observation**.
During the Waning Gibbous phase, observers can identify several prominent lunar features. The **Mare Vaporum**, **Tycho Crater**, and **Oceanus Procellarum** are visible to the naked eye. For those equipped with binoculars, additional features such as the **Grimaldi Basin**, **Alphonsus Crater**, and **Mare Humorum** become discernible. Utilizing a telescope enhances the view further, allowing for the observation of the **Apollo 14 landing site**, the **Caucasus Mountains**, and the **Reiner Gamma**.
Understanding Moon Phases
Moon phases are determined by the moon’s position relative to Earth and the Sun. As the moon travels in its orbit, the amount of sunlight reflected towards Earth changes, creating the various phases we observe. **NASA** explains that although we always see the same side of the moon, the illuminated portion changes, leading to different appearances, including full moons and crescent moons.
The lunar cycle consists of eight primary phases, which follow a predictable pattern:
– **New Moon**: The moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun, rendering it invisible.
– **Waxing Crescent**: A small sliver of light emerges on the right side.
– **First Quarter**: Half of the moon is illuminated on the right.
– **Waxing Gibbous**: More than half is lit but not yet full.
– **Full Moon**: The entire face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.
– **Waning Gibbous**: The moon starts losing light on the right side.
– **Last Quarter (or Third Quarter)**: Another half-moon, with the left side illuminated.
– **Waning Crescent**: A thin sliver of light remains on the left before the moon returns to darkness.
Upcoming Lunar Events
Following the Waning Gibbous phase, the next full moon will occur on **October 6, 2025**, and the last full moon was observed on **September 7, 2025**. Understanding these phases enhances our appreciation for the moon’s beauty and its role in our night sky. As the moon continues its journey through the heavens, enthusiasts and casual observers alike are encouraged to take note of its changing appearance and the spectacular features it reveals.
