Are you able to see the moon tonight? Interested in what might be visible on its surface? No need to fret, we have all the information you need. Keep reading to discover our current status within the lunar cycle.

The lunar cycle is made up of eight separate phases that define the moon’s visibility. This entire cycle lasts roughly 29.5 days, according to NASA, with these phases appearing as the Sun shines on varying parts of the moon while it orbits Earth.

So, what’s taking place tonight, July 22, and where do we find ourselves in the lunar cycle? Read on to learn more.

What is the moon phase today?

On Tuesday, July 22, the moon is in the Waning Crescent phase, making it almost undetectable from Earth. It will only be 7% visible this evening, as reported by NASA’s Daily Moon Observation.

Being day 27 of the lunar cycle, there isn’t much to observe on the moon with the unaided eye. To view anything, you’ll require binoculars or a telescope. With these instruments, you can spot the Grimaldi Basin, an impact site with a perimeter comparable to that of the Grand Canyon, according to NASA.

When will the next full moon occur?

The upcoming full moon is set for August 9. The previous full moon took place on July 10.

What are the phases of the moon?

Nasa states that moon phases arise from the 29.5-day cycle of the moon’s orbit, which changes the angles among the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases illustrate how the moon looks from Earth as it makes its orbit. We consistently see the same side of the moon, but the part lit by the Sun shifts according to its position in orbit. This creates full moons, half moons, and moons that appear completely dark. There are eight key moon phases, forming a continuous cycle:

New Moon – The moon is situated between Earth and the sun, causing the side we see to be dark (invisible).

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

First Quarter – Half of the moon is bright on the right side, resembling a half-moon.

Waxing Gibbous – More than half is illuminated, but it hasn’t reached full.

Full Moon – The complete face of the moon is bright and fully visible.

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

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

Waning Crescent – A slender slice of light persists on the left side before it becomes dark again.