The Full Moon has occurred, so each evening until the New Moon, the visibility of the moon will decrease. This happens as we transition through the lunar cycle.

The lunar cycle is made up of eight unique phases regarding the moon’s visibility. This entire cycle spans approximately 29.5 days, as per NASA, and these phases arise as the Sun lights up varying portions of the moon while it circles Earth.

Let’s explore what is taking place with the moon tonight, Sept. 8.

What is the current moon phase?

As of Monday, Sept. 8, the moon phase is Waning Gibbous, and it is 99% illuminated for us on Earth, according to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation.

There is still a lot of moon to observe, so if the sky is clear, here’s what you’ll see when you gaze upwards. With the unaided eye, appreciate a view of the Aristarchus Plateau, the Tycho Crater, and the Mare Tranquillitatis.

If you have binoculars, you’ll also discern the Apennine Mountains, Archimedes Crater, and the Alps Mountains. If you possess a telescope, direct it skyward to witness the Apollo 12 landing site, the Rima Hyginus, and the Caucasus Mountains.

When is the upcoming full moon?

The next full moon is scheduled for Oct. 6.

What are moon phases?

According to NASA, moon phases are the result of the 29.5-day cycle of the moon’s orbit, which modifies the angles among the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases describe how the moon is perceived from Earth as it revolves around us. We always observe the same side of the moon, but the extent illuminated by the Sun varies based on its orbital position. This results in full moons, half moons, and moons that appear to be absent. There are eight primary moon phases, adhering to a recurring cycle:

New Moon – The moon is positioned between Earth and the sun, leaving the side visible to us dark (invisible).

Waxing Crescent – A small shard 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 illuminated, yet it is not fully bright.

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

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

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

Waning Crescent – A thin sliver of light lingers on the left side before it fades to darkness once more.