The moon is slowly disappearing from view because of its place in the lunar cycle. What does the lunar cycle entail? It comprises eight unique phases of the moon’s visibility. The complete cycle spans approximately 29.5 days, as stated by NASA, and these phases take place as the Sun lights up different sections of the moon while it revolves around Earth.

Let’s explore the moon’s current state tonight, Aug. 17.

What phase is the moon in today?

On Sunday, Aug. 17, the moon is in the Waning Crescent phase, being 35% illuminated from Earth’s perspective, as per NASA’s Daily Moon Observation.

We are on day 24 of the lunar cycle, indicating that the moon will gradually become less visible in the coming days until it vanishes entirely. Nonetheless, there remains much to observe on the moon’s landscape. With the naked eye, you can catch a glimpse of the Aristarchus Plateau and the Copernicus Crater.

By using binoculars, you can spot even more details, such as the Grimaldi Basin and the Gassendi Crater. Telescopes are perfect for moon watching, and tonight it’s possible to view the Reiner Gamma and the Schiller Crater through one.

When is the upcoming full moon?

The next full moon is set for Sept. 7. The previous full moon took place on Aug. 9.

What do moon phases mean?

Nasa indicates that moon phases arise from the 29.5-day cycle of the moon’s orbit, changing the angles among the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases depict how the moon is perceived from Earth as it revolves around us. We consistently observe the same face of the moon, but the portion illuminated by the Sun changes according to its orbital position. This produces full moons, half moons, and moons that appear to be absent. There are eight main moon phases that follow a recurring cycle:

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

Waxing Crescent – A slight sliver of light can be seen on the right side (in the Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter – Half of the moon shines on the right side, giving it a half-moon appearance.

Waxing Gibbous – More than half is lit, but it’s not completely full yet.

Full Moon – The entirety of the moon’s face is illuminated and completely visible.

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

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

Waning Crescent – A slender sliver of light remains on