We’re nearing the New Moon, with the moon’s visibility decreasing each night.

It’s day 23 of the lunar cycle, which comprises eight unique phases of the moon’s visibility. The full cycle spans approximately 29.5 days, as per NASA. These phases take place as the Sun lights up various sections of the moon while it revolves around Earth. Let’s delve into what’s occurring with the moon tonight, Sept. 15.

What is the moon phase today?

On Monday, Sept. 15, the moon phase is Waning Crescent, with 38% illumination from our viewpoint on Earth, as indicated by NASA’s Daily Moon Observation.

So, what will be visible tonight? With the naked eye, you should be able to see the Kepler Crater and the Tycho Crater. Using binoculars will reveal the Grimaldi Basin, the Gassendi Crater, and the Clavius Crater as well.

If you possess a telescope, point it upward to include the Reiner Gamma, Schiller Crater, and the Fra Mauro Highlands in your observations.

When will the next full moon be?

The upcoming full moon will take place on Oct. 6. The previous full moon occurred on Sept. 7.

What are the phases of the moon?

According to 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 appears from Earth as it circles us. We consistently observe the same hemisphere of the moon, but the illuminated section varies based on its orbital position. This leads to full moons, half moons, and moons that appear hidden. There are eight main moon phases, following a repeating pattern:

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

Waxing Crescent – A small sliver of light becomes visible 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 not completely.

Full Moon – The entire face of the moon is lit and clearly visible.

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

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

Waning Crescent – A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before it becomes dark once more.