Gradually, the moon is becoming less visible, signaling that we are approaching the new moon. The new moon is a component of the lunar cycle, which includes eight unique phases of the moon’s visibility. This cycle spans roughly 29.5 days, as reported by NASA, with the Sun lighting different sections of the moon as it revolves around Earth.
Let’s check the status of the moon tonight, Aug. 21.
What is the moon phase today?
On Thursday, Aug. 21, the moon phase is Waning Crescent, with merely 3% visible from Earth, according to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation.
We’re on the 28th day of the lunar cycle, and there isn’t much to observe tonight. The only discernible feature is the Grimaldi Basin, which necessitates binoculars or a telescope to view. The Grimaldi Basin is an impact basin with an outer wall nearly as extensive as the Grand Canyon, according to NASA.
When will the next full moon happen?
The next full moon is set to take place on Sept. 7. The previous full moon occurred on Aug. 9.
What are the phases of the moon?
As per NASA, moon phases are the result of 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 during its orbit. We always see the same surface of the moon, but the illuminated portion by the Sun varies depending on its orbital position. This leads to full moons, half moons, and moons that appear to be invisible. There are eight main moon phases, creating a cycle that repeats:
New Moon – The moon sits between Earth and the sun, rendering the side we observe dark (invisible to our eyes).
Waxing Crescent – A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
First Quarter – Half of the moon is illuminated on the right side, resembling a half-moon.
Waxing Gibbous – More than half is lit, yet not entirely.
Full Moon – The whole face of the moon is bright and completely visible.
Waning Gibbous – The moon begins to lose light on the right side.
Last Quarter (or Third Quarter) – Another half-moon, but now the left side is illuminated.
Waning Crescent – A thin sliver of light lingers on the left side before it goes dark again.