Curious about the moon’s appearance tonight? Here’s what to understand about the moon as it moves through the lunar cycle this evening.

The lunar cycle includes eight unique phases of the moon’s visibility. It spans roughly 29.5 days, as noted by NASA, with these phases being the result of the Sun lighting various sections of the moon during its orbit around Earth.

Here’s what’s happening with the moon today, June 20, 2025.

What is the moon phase for today?

On Friday, June 20, the moon is in the Waning Crescent phase. During this phase, the moon is just 31% visible from Earth, according to NASA.

This represents the 24th day in the lunar cycle. With the naked eye, you may observe some craters and features on the moon, particularly the Ocean Procellarum and the Kepler Crater. Oceanus Procellarum, meaning “Ocean of Storm,” is a significant lunar mare that stretches over 1,600 miles and covers more than 10% of the lunar surface.

NASA indicates that the debris from the Kepler Crater impact extends over 185 miles, which is 10 times larger than the crater itself. This crater can be viewed for several days within the lunar cycle, from the initial days following the first quarter to several days after the third quarter.

If you’re located in the Northern Hemisphere, both features can be located at the upper left of the moon. In the Southern Hemisphere, seek them at the lower right.

When is the upcoming full moon?

June’s full moon occurred on June 11. The next full moon is scheduled for July 10.

What are moon phases?

Moon phases are components of a 29.5-day lunar cycle, NASA clarifies, resulting from the positions of the sun, moon, and Earth. Moon phases reflect how the moon looks from Earth as it circles us. We consistently observe the same side of the moon, but the illuminated portion by the Sun varies depending on its orbital position. Thus, it may appear full, half, or not visible at all. There are eight primary moon phases that follow a recurring cycle:

New Moon – The moon is positioned between Earth and the sun, leaving the visible side dark (invisible).

Waxing Crescent – A small sliver of light emerges on the right side (for the Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter – The right side of the moon is illuminated, creating a half-moon shape.

Waxing Gibbous – More than half is lit, just shy of being full.

Full Moon – The whole face of the moon is lit and completely visible.

Waning Gibbous – The moon begins to lose light on the right side.

Last Quarter (or Third Quarter) – Another half-moon appears, but now the left side is illuminated.

Waning Crescent – A narrow sliver of light remains visible on the left side before it becomes completely dark again.