As we near the New Moon, the moon will seem to diminish in size each night. This is a standard aspect of the lunar cycle, and today marks day 18.

What moon phase are we in today?

On Saturday, Nov. 8, the moon phase is Waning Gibbous. This evening, 87% of the moon is lit, based on NASA’s Daily Moon Observation.

Even without equipment, there’s a great deal to observe tonight, including the Copernicus Crater, Mare Tranquillitatis, and Tycho Crater. With binoculars, you’ll be able to see Gassendi Crater, Clavius Crater, and Alphonsus Crater. A telescope will disclose Reiner Gamma, the Apollo 17 landing site, and the Fra Mauro Highlands.

When will the next full moon be?

The subsequent full moon is set to take place on Dec. 4.

What do moon phases entail?

As per NASA, as the Moon travels around Earth over approximately 29.5 days, it goes through phases due to the shifting angles among the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Depending on its location, the Moon can seem completely illuminated, partly lit, or totally obscured, although we consistently view the same hemisphere. The quantity of sunlight reflecting off its surface varies, generating the lunar cycle.

The eight primary moon phases consist of:

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

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

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

Waxing Gibbous – More than half is illuminated, yet not fully.

Full Moon – The entire surface of the moon is lit.

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

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

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