Have you observed that the moon seems a bit more luminous tonight than it has over the past few days? There’s a reason behind it. Continue reading to discover why the lunar cycle alters our nightly view.

The lunar cycle consists of a progression of eight distinct phases regarding the moon’s visibility. This entire cycle lasts approximately 29.5 days, as reported by NASA, and these various phases occur as the Sun illuminates different regions of the moon during its orbit around Earth.

Check out what’s occurring with the moon tonight, June 28.

What is the moon phase for today?

As of Saturday, June 28, the current moon phase is Waxing Crescent. Visibility has increased twofold since last night. Today, 12% of the moon will be illuminated, based on NASA’s Daily Moon Observation. In the Northern Hemisphere, the far right side of the moon will be visible; in the Southern Hemisphere, it will be the far left.

Additionally, this marks the third moon in the lunar cycle. Regrettably, there is still insufficient light on the moon’s surface to discern any craters or other fascinating geological features.

When will the next full moon occur?

June’s full moon took place on June 11; this was known as the Strawberry Moon. The upcoming full moon is set for July 10.

What are the phases of the moon?

Moon phases are elements of a 29.5-day lunar cycle, as explained by NASA, determined by the angles among the sun, moon, and Earth. Moon phases represent how the moon appears from Earth as it orbits us. We consistently view the same hemisphere of the moon, but the extent to which it is illuminated by the Sun varies according to its position in its orbit. This cycle produces full moons, half moons, and moons that seem completely dark. There are eight principal moon phases, and they adhere to a repetitive cycle:

New Moon – The moon is positioned between Earth and the sun, rendering the side we observe dark (essentially, it’s not visible).

Waxing Crescent – A tiny sliver of light becomes visible on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

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

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

Full Moon – The entire face of the moon is aglow and completely observable.

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

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

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