This evening marks the 18th day of the lunar cycle, with the Moon currently in its waning gibbous phase. More than half of its surface is still bright, yet it slowly decreases each night as it nears the New Moon. Keep reading to discover more about this phase.

What is the current moon phase?

As of Monday, Dec. 8, the moon phase is Waning Gibbous. This indicates that 83% of the moon is illuminated tonight, according to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation.

More than half of the moon is visible, allowing the naked eye to spot the Mare Tranquillitatis, Tycho Crater, and Copernicus Crater. If you have binoculars, you can enhance your view of the Gassendi Crater, Endymion Crater, and the Alps Mountains. A telescope will help you see the Apollo 16 landing site, Rima Ariadaeus, and the Linne Crater.

When will the next full moon be?

The next full moon is set to take place on Jan. 3.

What are moon phases?

NASA describes the lunar cycle, which lasts about 29.5 days, as consisting of the Moon’s phases that illustrate its appearance from Earth as it revolves around us. We consistently see the same side of the Moon, but the sunlight impacting its surface alters as it travels in its orbit. This changing illumination makes the Moon seem full, half-lit, or invisible. The cycle features eight unique phases:

New Moon – The moon lies between Earth and the sun, making the visible side dark (not visible to the eye).

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

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

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

Full Moon – The entire surface of the moon is lit and completely visible.

Waning Gibbous – The right side of the moon begins to lose light (Northern Hemisphere).

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

Waning Crescent – A narrow band of light is left on the left side before it goes dark once more.