The moon continues to be expansive and radiant in the night sky after the full moon from last night. What is there to see? Keep reading to learn about the current phase of the moon.

The lunar phase comprises eight unique stages of the moon’s visibility. This full cycle takes approximately 29.5 days, as noted by NASA, and these phases manifest as the Sun lights up various portions of the moon during its journey around Earth.

So, what is the status of the moon this evening, Aug. 10?

What is the moon phase for today?

As of Sunday, Aug. 10, the moon is in the Waning Gibbous phase, with 98% illumination visible from Earth, per NASA’s Daily Moon Observation.

Much is still observable tonight, including the Mare Fecunditatis, Copernicus Crater, and Oceanus Procellarum, all discernible to the naked eye.

If you possess binoculars or a telescope, you’ll uncover even more details, so consider using them tonight. Binoculars will unveil the Grimaldi Basin, while a telescope will reveal the Descartes Highlands.

When will the next full moon take place?

The upcoming full moon will happen on Sept. 7. The prior full moon occurred on Aug. 9.

What constitutes moon phases?

Navigating through NASA’s findings, moon phases are a result of the moon’s 29.5-day orbital cycle, which shifts the angles formed by the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases depict the moon’s appearance from Earth as it travels in its orbit. We consistently observe the same aspect of the moon, yet the illuminated portion by the Sun fluctuates according to its orbital position. This variance generates full moons, half moons, and stages where the moon appears entirely hidden. There are eight fundamental moon phases, following a cyclical pattern:

New Moon – The moon is situated between Earth and the sun, rendering the side we can see dark (invisible).

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

First Quarter – The right side of the moon is half illuminated, taking on the appearance of a half-moon.

Waxing Gibbous – More than half is lit up but not completely full.

Full Moon – The moon’s entire surface is illuminated and completely visible.

Waning Gibbous – The moon begins to lose light on the right side.

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

Waning Crescent – A narrow band of light remains on the left side before it becomes dark once more.