Have you noticed the moon looking a bit smaller lately? This is a result of our place in the lunar cycle, which includes the moon’s different phases. We are now getting closer to the New Moon. Keep reading to find out more about this.

What is the current moon phase?

As of Saturday, Dec. 6, the moon phase is Waning Gibbous. This signifies that 96% of the moon is illuminated tonight, according to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation.

With just your eyes, there’s much to see, particularly the Oceanus Procellarum and the Kepler Crater. If you use binoculars, you can also spot the Posidonius and Alphonsus craters, along with the Grimaldi Basin. A telescope will let you observe the Apollo 11 and 12 landing sites and the Linne Crater.

When is the upcoming full moon?

The upcoming full moon will take place on Jan. 3.

What are the moon phases?

NASA explains that the lunar cycle, which lasts around 29.5 days, consists of the Moon’s phases, which depict its appearance from Earth as it revolves around us. We always see the same side of the Moon, but the sunlight illuminating its surface changes as it journeys in its orbit. This varying light makes the Moon seem full, half-lit, or completely dark. The cycle features eight distinct phases:

New Moon – The moon is situated between Earth and the sun, causing the side we view to be dark (invisible).

Waxing Crescent – A small sliver of light appears 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 lit, yet it is not entirely illuminated.

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

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

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

Waning Crescent – A thin sliver of light lingers on the left side before becoming dark again.