Interested in the moon’s condition tonight? Continue reading to discover the current phase of the lunar cycle.

The lunar cycle is made up of eight unique phases of the moon’s visibility. It lasts roughly 29.5 days, as noted by NASA, with these phases taking place as the Sun lights up different parts of the moon while it orbits Earth.

Let’s find out what’s occurring with the moon this evening, Sept. 12.

What is the moon phase today?

On Friday, Sept. 12, the moon is in the Waning Gibbous phase, showing an illumination of 71% from Earth’s perspective, per NASA’s Daily Moon Observation.

We’re currently on day 20 of the lunar cycle, so the moon’s visibility decreases each night. Nonetheless, there are still many features to observe. Without any optical tools, you can identify areas like the Mare Vaporum and the Kepler Crater.

With binoculars, you’ll also be able to see the Apennine Mountains, Gaessendi Crater, and the Mare Humorum. If you use a telescope, you can explore the Apollo 11 and 16 landing sites, along with the Rima Ariadaeus.

When will the next full moon be?

The upcoming full moon is set for Oct. 6. The most recent full moon occurred on Sept. 7.

What are the phases of the moon?

Per NASA, moon phases are a result of the 29.5-day lunar orbital cycle, changing the angular relationships between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases illustrate the moon’s appearance from Earth as it travels in its orbit. We always observe the same side of the moon, but the amount illuminated by the Sun changes according to its position in orbit. This leads to full moons, half moons, and moons that appear absent. There are eight main moon phases, following a continuous cycle:

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

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

First Quarter – The moon is half illuminated on the right side, looking like a half-moon.

Waxing Gibbous – More than half is illuminated but not completely.

Full Moon – The entire surface of the moon is lit up and entirely visible.

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

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

Waning Crescent – A narrow sliver of light is visible on the left side before it vanishes into darkness again.