The moon is becoming progressively brighter each evening as we draw closer to the upcoming full moon. Let’s start by reviewing our current stage in the lunar cycle.

The lunar cycle is made up of eight unique phases of the moon’s visibility. This cycle lasts about 29.5 days, according to NASA, with these phases occurring as the Sun lights up various sections of the moon during its orbit around Earth.

What is today’s moon phase?

On Sunday, Aug. 3, the moon is in the Waxing Gibbous phase. According to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation, the moon will be 69% illuminated this evening.

Today marks the 10th day of the lunar cycle, providing ample opportunity for observation when we look up tonight. With the unaided eye (no optical instruments needed), you can see the Copernicus Crater, the Mare Fecunditatis, and the Mare Crisium.

By using binoculars, you can catch a glimpse of the Aphonsus Crater, Posidonius Crater, and the Mare Frigoris. A telescope will also allow you to observe the Rima Arladaeus, the Descartes Highlands, and Fra Mauro Highlands, a rugged area of the moon where Apollo 14 landed.

When is the next full moon?

The following full moon is set to happen on August 9. The last full moon occurred on July 10.

What are moon phases?

According to NASA, moon phases emerge from the 29.5-day cycle of the moon’s orbit, changing the angles among the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases illustrate how the moon looks from Earth as it orbits us. We consistently see the same side of the moon, but the portion lit by the Sun varies with its orbital position. This gives rise to full moons, half moons, and moons that appear completely dark. There are eight main moon phases, following a cyclic pattern:

New Moon – The moon sits between Earth and the sun, making the side we see dark (invisible).

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

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

Waxing Gibbous – More than half is illuminated, but it is not yet full.

Full Moon – The whole 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 now the left side is illuminated.

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