Wondering why the moon is hardly visible tonight? It’s because of our position in the lunar cycle, which includes eight unique phases of the moon’s visibility. This cycle spans roughly 29.5 days, as stated by NASA, and the phases occur as the Sun lightens various parts of the moon during its orbit around Earth.

What is the moon phase today?

On Saturday, Sept. 20, the moon phase is Waning Crescent, showing only 2% visibility from Earth, according to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation.

Visibility is low, so there’s little to see on the moon’s surface tonight.

When will the next full moon occur?

The next full moon is set to take place on Oct. 6. The previous full moon occurred on Sept. 7.

What are the phases of the moon?

As detailed by NASA, moon phases arise from the 29.5-day cycle of the moon’s orbit, changing the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases illustrate how the moon looks from Earth as it goes around us. We consistently see the same side of the moon, but the section lit by the Sun varies according to its orbital position. This leads to full moons, half moons, and moons that seem completely obscured. There are eight main moon phases, following a repeating sequence:

New Moon – The moon sits between Earth and the sun, making the side we see dark (invisible).

Waxing Crescent – A small segment of light becomes visible on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter – Half of the moon is illuminated on the right side, appearing like a half-moon.

Waxing Gibbous – More than half is lit, but it is not fully illuminated.

Full Moon – The whole face of the moon is lit and completely visible.

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

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

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