The visual aspect of the moon changes throughout the lunar cycle. This evening, the moon is somewhat hard to see, and here’s the reason.

The lunar cycle includes eight stages, which are influenced by the sunlight that is reflected from the moon. This cycle spans approximately 29.5 days, as indicated by NASA, with various stages happening as the Sun shines on different sections of the moon during its orbit around the Earth.

Here’s the current state of the moon on June 21, 2025.

What is the moon phase today?

On Saturday, June 21, the moon phase is a Waning Crescent. During this stage, the moon is partially illuminated but not very prominent from our viewpoint on Earth. NASA reports that this moon is 21% visible.

As the visibility of the moon diminishes, it indicates the conclusion and the imminent arrival of a new lunar cycle. Today marks day 25. This level of visibility shows minimal detail, though the Aristarchus Plateau can be detected. This crater, which measures 25 miles across, was created when a lava structure collapsed. It can be observed without specialized tools.

Using binoculars, you can also view the Grimaldi Basin and the Gassendi Crater.

In the Northern Hemisphere, these features appear in the upper left; in the Southern Hemisphere, they are located in the lower right.

When is the upcoming full moon?

The full moon for June occurred on June 11. The next full moon will be on July 10.

What are the phases of the moon?

On day 25, what are the other phases in the 29.5-day lunar cycle, and what causes them? NASA clarifies that these phases arise from the angular relationships among the sun, moon, and Earth. Moon phases represent how the moon looks from our planet as it revolves around us. We consistently see the same side of the moon, yet the sunlight it receives fluctuates depending on its position in orbit. As a result, it can seem full, half, or entirely invisible. There are eight primary moon phases that repeat in a cycle.

New Moon – The moon is located between Earth and the sun, causing the side facing us to be dark (invisible).

Waxing Crescent – A small sliver of illumination appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

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

Waxing Gibbous – More than half of the moon is lit up, but not completely.

Full Moon – The entire face of the moon is bright.

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

Last Quarter (or Third Quarter) – Another half-moon, with the left side illuminated.

Waning Crescent – A narrow sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark once more.