This evening signifies the Third Quarter lunar stage. About 50% of the Moon is lit, drawing us nearer to the New Moon.

What is the current Moon phase?

As of Saturday, May 9, the Moon is in the Third Quarter phase. Per NASA’s Daily Moon Guide, 56% of the moon will be illuminated tonight.

Without visual tools, you can identify the Mare Imbrium, Tycho Crater, and the Oceanus Procellarum.

Utilizing binoculars, you can observe the Mare Humorum, Alphonsus Crater, and the Alps Mountains. With a telescope, you’ll also be able to see the Fra Mauro Highlands and Caucasus Mountains.

When will the next Full Moon be?

May features two Full Moons, with the subsequent one taking place on May 31.

What are the Moon phases?

As stated by NASA, the Moon takes around 29.5 days to complete its orbit around Earth, undergoing eight distinct phases. We consistently see the same hemisphere, yet the angle of sunlight changes, resulting in full, half, and crescent forms. The eight primary lunar phases include:

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

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

First Quarter – The Moon’s right side is half lit, resembling a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous – More than half is illuminated but not completely.

Full Moon – The entire surface is aglow.

Waning Gibbous – Light diminishes on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) – Another half-Moon, with illumination on the left side.

Waning Crescent – A narrow light persists on the left side before total darkness.