This evening showcases a half moon, with the right portion completely visible. Keep reading to uncover its importance and our standing in the lunar cycle.

The lunar cycle consists of eight unique phases of the moon’s visibility. It lasts about 29.5 days, as stated by NASA, with these phases unfolding as the Sun lights up various segments of the moon during its orbit around Earth.

Find out what’s occurring tonight, Aug. 1.

What is the moon phase today?

On Friday, Aug. 1, the moon finds itself in the First Quarter phase. This phase transpires when the moon is half lit. NASA verifies this, according to the Daily Moon Observation, indicating it is 50% illuminated tonight.

It marks the eighth day of the lunar cycle and the first moon of August. What can we see tonight? With the unaided eye, appreciate views of the Mare Serenitatis, Mare Tranquillitatis, and Mare Crisium. In the Northern Hemisphere, direct your gaze to the top right; in the Southern Hemisphere, these are visible on the bottom left.

With binoculars, you can also identify the Endymion Crater, Mare Nectaris, and the Posidonius Crater, a lava-filled impact crater visible from the fifth to the 19th day of the lunar cycle. Using a telescope, you can additionally view the Linne Crater, Apollo 11, and Apollo 16.

When will the next full moon occur?

The upcoming full moon will take place on August 9. The last full moon was on July 10.

What are the phases of the moon?

According to NASA, moon phases arise from the 29.5-day cycle of the moon’s orbit, shifting the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases refer to the moon’s appearance from Earth as it circles us. We always see the same side of the moon, but the lit portion by the Sun shifts based on its orbital position. This leads to full moons, half moons, and moons that appear invisible. There are eight main moon phases, following a recurring cycle:

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

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

First Quarter – The right side of the moon is illuminated halfway, appearing as a half-moon.

Waxing Gibbous – More than half is lit, but it isn’t quite full yet.

Full Moon – The entire surface of the moon is illuminated and fully 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 lit.

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