The moon is almost undetectable tonight because of its placement in the lunar cycle.

The lunar cycle includes eight unique phases of the moon’s visibility. This cycle spans about 29.5 days, as noted by NASA, and these phases emerge as the Sun lights up varying sections of the moon while it revolves around Earth.

Let’s examine the moon’s condition tonight, Aug. 20.

What is the moon phase today?

On Wednesday, Aug. 20, the moon phase is Waning Crescent, exhibiting 9% visibility from Earth, based on NASA’s Daily Moon Observation.

We are currently on day 27 of the lunar cycle, and there isn’t much to observe tonight. The only discernible feature is the Grimaldi Basin, which necessitates binoculars or a telescope for viewing. The Grimaldi Basin is an impact basin with an outer rim nearly as extensive as the Grand Canyon, according to NASA.

When will the next full moon happen?

The forthcoming full moon is set to occur on Sept. 7. The previous full moon took place on Aug. 9.

What are the moon phases?

As per NASA, moon phases are the result of the 29.5-day orbital cycle of the moon, changing the angles among the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases characterize the moon’s appearance from Earth during its orbit around us. We continuously view the same face of the moon, yet the portion illuminated by the Sun differs based on its orbital location. This leads to full moons, half moons, and moons that seem to be absent. There are eight main moon phases, following a continuous cycle:

New Moon – The moon is situated between Earth and the sun, making the side we observe dark (invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent – A small sliver of light appears on the right side (in the 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 but not completely full.

Full Moon – The entire face of the moon is illuminated and entirely visible.

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

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

Waning Crescent – A thin sliver of light persists on the left side before becoming dark once more.