This evening, a slim sliver of the moon can be seen, but it’s not ample enough for a clear view. This is due to the upcoming New Moon phase in the lunar cycle. Continue reading to discover more about this phase.

What is the current moon phase?

On Tuesday, Nov. 18, the moon phase is Waning Crescent. This indicates that 3% of the moon is illuminated tonight, as reported by NASA’s Daily Moon Observation.

Avoid straining your eyes tonight; there is too little moonlight for a clear observation. As we near the next lunar cycle, the moon may be small or possibly invisible for a few days.

When will the next full moon be?

The upcoming full moon will take place on Dec. 4, marking the third in a series of consecutive supermoons. The last full moon occurred on Nov. 5.

What are the phases of the moon?

According to NASA, moon phases are part of a repeating lunar cycle (every 29.5 days). These phases describe the moon’s appearance from Earth as it revolves around our planet. While we always view the same side of the moon, the amount of sunlight it receives varies throughout its orbit. Thus, it can appear full, half-lit, or not visible at all (referred to as the New Moon). There are eight primary moon phases:

New Moon – The moon is positioned between Earth and the sun, making the side facing us dark (it cannot be seen).

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

First Quarter – Half of the moon is lit on the right side and resembles a half-moon.

Waxing Gibbous – More than half is illuminated, but it’s not completely full yet.

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

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

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

Waning Crescent – A thin strip of light remains on the left side before it goes dark again.