Interested in what you might observe when you look at the moon this evening? We have all the information you require regarding the current lunar cycle.

What constitutes the lunar cycle? It is a progression of eight unique stages concerning the moon’s visibility. The whole cycle spans approximately 29.5 days, as indicated by NASA, with these stages occurring as the Sun shines on various regions of the moon as it revolves around Earth.

So, what is the status of the moon this evening, Aug. 7?

What is the moon phase today?

On Thursday, Aug. 7, the moon is in its Waxing Gibbous phase. Per NASA’s Daily Moon Observation, the moon will be 96% lit this evening.

There’s a lot to see tonight with the naked eye, such as the Copernicus Crater, the Mare Fecunditatis, and the Oceanus Procellarum. With binoculars, you can also discover the Mare Humorum, the Archimedes Crater, and the Clavius Crater.

Using a telescope, direct your gaze to the left (or right if you are in the Southern Hemisphere) to find the Reiner Gama, and look right (vice versa) for the Rima Ariadaeus and Apollo 16.

When will the next full moon take place?

The upcoming full moon is set for August 9. The previous full moon occurred on July 10.

What are the phases of the moon?

As stated by NASA, moon phases arise from the moon’s 29.5-day orbital cycle, which alters the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases represent how the moon appears from Earth as it orbits our planet. We consistently see the same side of the moon, yet the part illuminated by the Sun shifts according to its position in the orbit. This results in full moons, half moons, and moons that appear entirely hidden. There are eight main moon phases in a recurring cycle:

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

Waxing Crescent – A slim sliver of light is noticeable on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

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

Waxing Gibbous – More than half of the moon is lit, but it is not yet full.

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

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

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

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