Have you ever thought about why the moon seems different every night? This is a result of the lunar cycle.

The lunar cycle consists of eight unique phases concerning the moon’s visibility. It lasts approximately 29.5 days (according to NASA), with these phases occurring as the Sun lights up different areas of the moon while it circles Earth. The moon is constantly there, but our perspective from Earth changes based on how much light it reflects.

Take a look at the moon’s condition tonight, July 6.

What is the moon’s phase today?

On Sunday, July 6, the moon is in its Waxing Gibbous phase. According to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation, 83% of the moon’s surface will be illuminated and visible from Earth.

This signifies day 11 of the lunar cycle, just one phase away from reaching the Full Moon. So, what can you observe tonight?

With the naked eye, you’ll detect features like Mare Vaporum, Mare Imbrium, and Mare Crisium. If you use binoculars, you can also find the Alps Mountains, Archimedes Crater, and Alphonsus Crater.

A telescope will reveal even more details, including Rima Ariadaeus, Apollo 14, and Apollo 16.

When is the upcoming full moon?

This month’s full moon is set to occur on July 10. The last full moon was on June 11.

What are the phases of the moon?

Moon phases arise from the 29.5-day orbit of the moon, affecting the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases explain the appearance of the moon from Earth as it revolves around us. We consistently see the same side of the moon, but the illuminated portion by the Sun varies with its orbital position. This results in full moons, half moons, and moons that appear to be absent. There are eight fundamental moon phases that repeat in a cycle:

New Moon – The moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun, leaving the side we observe in darkness (invisible to our eyes).

Waxing Crescent – A small fragment of light appears on the right side (in the Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter – The right half of the moon is lit, creating a half-moon effect.

Waxing Gibbous – More than half is illuminated, yet it is not completely full.

Full Moon – The entire face of the moon is illuminated and entirely visible.

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

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

Waning Crescent – A slender sliver of light persists on the left side before it becomes dark once more.