We are merely a day away from the full moon, so let’s delve into the current lunar cycle.

This cycle comprises eight unique phases of the moon’s visibility. It lasts approximately 29.5 days, according to NASA, and these phases occur as the Sun lights up different sections of the moon during its orbit around Earth.

Now, what can we expect from the moon tonight, Aug. 8?

What phase is the moon in today?

On Thursday, Aug. 8, the moon phase is Waxing Gibbous. Per NASA’s Daily Moon Observation, the moon will be 99% lit up tonight, we’re almost there!

So, what can you see when you gaze upward tonight? Without any instruments, you’ll be able to identify several features on the moon’s surface, like the Mare Imbrium, the Kepler Crater, and the Mare Vaporum.

With binoculars, you can also observe the Mare Humorum, the Endymion Crater, and the Posidonius Crater. Through a telescope, you can examine the Descartes Highlands, the Schiller Crater, and the Rupes Altai.

When will the next full moon be?

The next full moon will take place on August 9. The last full moon occurred on July 10.

What are the phases of the moon?

As per NASA, the phases of the moon arise from the 29.5-day cycle of the moon’s orbit, which changes the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases illustrate how the moon looks from Earth as it revolves around us. We consistently see the same side of the moon, but the amount of lighted portion varies according to its orbital position. This leads to full moons, half moons, and moons that appear completely dark. There are eight main phases of the moon, which follow a repeating cycle:

New Moon – The moon sits between Earth and the sun, making the visible side dark (invisible to the eye).

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

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

Waxing Gibbous – More than half is illuminated, yet it isn’t full.

Full Moon – The entire face of the moon is lit and fully observable.

Waning Gibbous – The moon begins to diminish its brightness on the right side.

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

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