Have you ever pondered why the moon seems to change slightly every night? This phenomenon is a result of the lunar cycle.

The lunar cycle is made up of eight unique phases that dictate the visibility of the moon. The complete cycle takes approximately 29.5 days, according to NASA, and these phases arise as the Sun brightens various sections of the moon while it travels around Earth.

Let’s discover our position in the cycle this evening, Aug. 2.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Saturday, Aug. 2, the moon phase is Waxing Gibbous. Based on NASA’s Daily Moon Observation, the moon will be 60% illuminated tonight.

It is the ninth day of the lunar cycle, offering many details to observe on the moon’s surface.

With the unaided eye, you can spot the Mare Fecunditatis, the Mare Tranquillitatis, and the Mare Crisium. If you are situated in the Northern Hemisphere, look toward the top right. In the Southern Hemisphere, these will be visible at the bottom left.

With binoculars, you can examine the Alps Mountains, Apennine Mountains, and the Alphonsus Crater. Utilizing a telescope, you can also view the Rima Arladaeus, the Descartes Highlands, and Rupes Altai.

When is the next full moon?

The upcoming full moon is set to occur on August 9. The previous full moon happened on July 10.

What are moon phases?

According to NASA, moon phases are the result of the 29.5-day orbit cycle of the moon, which alters the angles among the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases indicate how the moon appears from Earth as it revolves around us. We consistently see the same hemisphere of the moon, but the amount illuminated by the Sun changes based on its orbital position. This leads to full moons, half moons, and moons that appear entirely dark. There are eight primary moon phases, following a cyclical sequence:

New Moon – The moon is situated between Earth and the sun, rendering the side we observe dark (invisible).

Waxing Crescent – A small slice of light is visible 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 is lit up, but it isn’t full yet.

Full Moon – The entire surface of the moon is lit up and completely observable.

Waning Gibbous – The moon begins to decrease in brightness on the right side.

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

Waning Crescent – A slender sliver of light lingers on the left side before it goes dark again.