The moon’s shape varies each night because of its orbit around Earth, a phenomenon called the lunar cycle.

This lunar cycle includes eight unique phases regarding the moon’s visibility. It spans approximately 29.5 days, as noted by NASA, and these phases take place as the Sun lights up different sections of the moon during its journey around Earth.

Tonight, let’s take a look at the moon’s condition, Sept. 1.

What is the moon phase for today?

On Monday, Sept. 1, the moon is in the Waxing Gibbous phase, with 62% visibility from Earth, according to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation.

There’s a lot to see on the moon’s surface this evening. Without any visual equipment, you can spot the Tycho Crater, Mare Crisium, and Mare Tranquillitatis. If you use binoculars, you’ll also identify Mare Nectaris, Mare Frigoris, and the Apennine Mountains.

With a telescope, you’ll find even more, such as the Apollo 11 landing site, Descartes Highlands, and Rupes Recta, which is a 68-mile-long fault line on the moon.

When is the upcoming full moon?

The upcoming full moon will take place on Sept. 7. The previous full moon occurred on Aug. 9.

What are the phases of the moon?

NASA clarifies that moon phases result from the moon’s 29.5-day orbit, changing the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases illustrate how the moon is perceived from Earth as it revolves around us. We consistently see the same side of the moon, but the Sun’s illumination changes based on its position in orbit. This creates full moons, half moons, and moons that appear invisible. There are eight main phases of the moon, which create a repeating cycle:

New Moon – The moon is located between Earth and the sun, making it invisible.

Waxing Crescent – A small sliver is seen on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter – The right half is lit up, resembling a half-moon.

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

Full Moon – The entire surface is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous – The illumination on the right side starts to wane.

Last Quarter (or Third Quarter) – Another half-moon…