Following a series of evenings with limited visibility, the Moon presents some captivating features for viewing tonight. Keep reading to find out what you can explore on its surface this evening.

What phase is the Moon in today?

As of Friday, Feb. 20, the Moon is in its Waxing Crescent phase. According to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide, 9% of the Moon will be illuminated this evening.

Moon watching is back on, and there are several prospects for viewing tonight. Without any tools, you should be able to identify a few surface attributes, particularly the Mares Crisium and Fecunditatis. If you have a telescope or binoculars, you can also view the Endymion Crater.

When will the next Full Moon take place?

The upcoming Full Moon is set to occur on March 3. The previous Full Moon was on Feb. 1.

What exactly are Moon phases?

NASA describes that the Moon completes a full orbit around Earth in roughly 29.5 days. Throughout this period, the Moon undergoes eight distinct phases. Although we always see the same side of the Moon, the portion illuminated by sunlight varies as it orbits. The changing angle of sunlight reflecting on the Moon’s surface leads it to seem full, partially illuminated, or nearly dark at different times. The eight phases consist of:

New Moon – The Moon is situated between Earth and the Sun, with the visible side being dark (essentially invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent – A slender sliver of light is visible on the right side (in the Northern Hemisphere).

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

Waxing Gibbous – Over half of the Moon is lit up, though it is not completely full yet.

Full Moon – The entire face of the Moon is illuminated and entirely visible.

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

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) – Another half-Moon phase, but this time the left side is illuminated.

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