Interested in the moon’s nightly transformations? We have the information on tonight’s lunar phase.

What is the moon phase for today?

As of Thursday, Oct. 23, the moon phase is Waxing Crescent. This evening, 4% of the moon will be visible, according to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation.

While it may be too faint to notice much, it will soon brighten our nighttime sky.

When will the next full moon take place?

The upcoming full moon is set for Nov. 5.

What exactly are moon phases?

NASA clarifies that moon phases, like Waxing Crescent, arise from the moon’s 29.5-day orbital journey. This cycle stems from the shifting angles among the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases illustrate how the moon is perceived from Earth as it moves in its orbit. We consistently see the same side of the moon, but the sunlight-drenched portion varies with its orbital position. This produces full moons, half moons, and moons that are not visible. There are eight primary moon phases in a cyclical sequence.

The eight principal moon phases include:

New Moon – The moon is positioned between Earth and the sun, making it unseen.

Waxing Crescent – A tiny light segment emerges 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 illuminated, but still not completely.

Full Moon – The full face of the moon is lit.

Waning Gibbous – The moon begins to lose light on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

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

Waning Crescent – A slim light segment remains on the left side before vanishing.