If you’re interested in how luminous the moon will appear tonight, keep reading. We have all the information you require regarding tonight’s moon, including what can and cannot be seen on its surface as it moves through the lunar cycle.

The lunar cycle comprises eight phases of the moon’s visibility, dictated by the amount of sunlight it receives. According to NASA, this cycle spans roughly 29.5 days, during which these phases emerge as the Sun lights up various sections of the moon while it orbits Earth.

Here’s what the moon is doing today, June 23, 2025.

What is the moon phase today?

On Monday, June 23, the moon phase is Waning Crescent. During this phase, the moon is only faintly illuminated. NASA tells us that merely 5% of the moon’s surface will be observable from our perspective.

Today signifies the 27th day of the lunar cycle. Given the limited illumination of the moon, identifying basins and craters with the naked eye poses a challenge. Your best opportunity to view some moon terrain tonight is with binoculars or a telescope. If you happen to have either, you might spot the Grimaldi Basin. The Grimaldi Basin is an impact basin stretching approximately 248 miles in length. Stargazers in the Northern Hemisphere should direct their focus to the middle left part of the moon’s surface. In the Southern Hemisphere, it will be the middle right.

When is the next full moon?

June’s full moon took place on June 11. The subsequent full moon is set for July 10.

What are the moon phases?

NASA clarifies that the moon’s phases result from the angles between the sun, moon, and Earth. Moon phases depict how the moon looks from Earth as it travels around us. We consistently observe the same side of the moon, but the portion illuminated by the Sun varies according to its orbital position. At times it appears full, sometimes half, and at other times it is entirely hidden. There are eight primary moon phases, following a recurring cycle.

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

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

First Quarter – Half of the moon is illuminated on the right side, resembling a half-moon.

Waxing Gibbous – More than half is lit, yet it isn’t completely full.

Full Moon – The entire face of the moon is lit up and fully apparent.

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

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

Waning Crescent – A slender sliver of light lingers on the left side before fading to darkness again.