This evening, the moon is half lit, marking the beginning of a fresh lunar cycle.

The lunar cycle includes eight separate phases regarding the moon’s visibility. This complete cycle takes roughly 29.5 days, as stated by NASA, and these phases arise as the Sun lights up various portions of the moon during its orbit around Earth.

So, what is the situation with the moon tonight, Aug. 16?

What is the current moon phase?

On Saturday, Aug. 16, the moon is in the Third Quarter phase (also referred to as the Last Quarter) and shows an illumination of 46% from our perspective on Earth, according to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation.

From this moment onward, the moon will diminish in visibility, as we are at day 23 of the lunar cycle. Nevertheless, there is plenty to examine on the moon’s surface if you observe closely. With just your eyes, you can identify the Aristarchus Plateau, the Tycho Crater, and the Copernicus Crater.

With binoculars, you can discover even more, including the Archimedes Crater, Alphonsus Crater, and the Clavius Crater. If you own a telescope, be on the lookout for the Apollo 12, Reiner Gamma, and the Schiller Crater as well.

When will the next full moon happen?

The subsequent full moon is anticipated on Sept. 7. The previous full moon took place on Aug. 9.

What are the phases of the moon?

Nasa explains that moon phases arise from the 29.5-day orbit of the moon, which changes the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases depict the way the moon looks from Earth as it revolves around us. We consistently see the same face of the moon, but the portion illuminated by sunlight varies depending on its orbit. This creates full moons, half moons, and moons that appear entirely dark. There are eight main moon phases, following a continuous cycle:

New Moon – The moon is located between Earth and the sun, causing the side visible to us to be dark (practically invisible).

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

First Quarter – Half of the moon’s surface is lit on the right side, looking like a half-moon.

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

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

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

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