The moon is starting to show itself once more as we transition into a fresh phase of the lunar cycle.

The lunar cycle comprises eight separate phases of the moon’s visibility. This whole cycle spans approximately 29.5 days, as stated by NASA, and these phases manifest as the Sun lights up various sections of the moon while it revolves around Earth.

Let’s discover what is taking place with the moon tonight, Aug. 24.

What is the current moon phase?

On Sunday, Aug. 24, the moon phase is Waxing Crescent, with only 2% visible to us on Earth, per NASA’s Daily Moon Observation.

There isn’t sufficient illumination on the moon tonight to observe any surface features, so moon lovers will have to wait a few additional days.

When will the next full moon happen?

The subsequent full moon is set to take place on Sept. 7. The previous full moon occurred on Aug. 9.

What are the phases of the moon?

According to NASA, moon phases result from the 29.5-day cycle of the moon’s orbit, which alters the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases illustrate how the moon appears from Earth as it travels around us. We consistently view the same side of the moon, but the amount illuminated by the Sun fluctuates based on its orbital position. This leads to full moons, half moons, and moons that look entirely invisible. There are eight primary moon phases, following a repetitive cycle:

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

Waxing Crescent – A small fragment of light emerges on the right side (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, yet it is not fully illuminated.

Full Moon – The whole face of the moon is lit and is entirely visible.

Waning Gibbous – The moon starts 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 narrow sliver of light lingers on the left side before becoming dark again.