It’s the final moon of June, and there are numerous geological features to view, even without a telescope, thanks to the dynamic lunar cycle.

The lunar cycle comprises eight distinct phases of the moon’s visibility. The full cycle spans approximately 29.5 days, as per NASA, and these phases happen as the Sun illuminates various areas of the moon during its orbit around Earth.

Check out what’s occurring with the moon tonight, June 30.

What is the moon phase today?

As of Monday, June 30, the moon phase is Waxing Crescent. 29% of the moon will be illuminated and visible to us on Earth (according to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation).

This signifies the fifth day of the ongoing lunar cycle, and there’s plenty to observe on the moon’s surface, with or without binoculars.

Much like last night, there are two geological marvels you can view with just your bare eyes. These are the Mare Crisium and the Mare Fecunditatis. The Mare Crisium is commonly referred to as the “Sea of Crises” and spans approximately 109,000 square miles.

The Mare Fecunditatis (“Sea of Fertility”) is an impact crater that was the first location where an automated sample retrieval occurred in 1970.

If you possess binoculars or a telescope, you’ll also see the Endymion Crater. NASA indicates that this crater has a diameter of 78 miles and is characterized by its dark, flat bottom created by solidified lava.

When will the next full moon occur?

June’s full moon was on June 11. The upcoming full moon will be on July 10.

What are the phases of the moon?

Moon phases arise from the 29.5-day cycle of the moon’s orbit, which alters the angles among the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases illustrate how the moon appears from Earth as it revolves around us. We consistently view the same face of the moon, but the amount illuminated by the Sun varies based on its position in its orbit. This process results in full moons, half moons, and moons that seem entirely invisible. There are eight primary moon phases, which follow a recurrent cycle:

New Moon – The moon is situated between Earth and the sun, rendering the side we observe dark (in essence, it’s invisible to sight).

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

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

Waxing Gibbous – More than half is lit, yet it’s not entirely full.

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

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

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

Waning Crescent – A slender slice of light persists on the left side before going dark once more.