We are merely a day away from entering a new lunar phase, which means the moon will once again be partially illuminated.

Curious about what a lunar phase entails? Lunar phases form a segment of the lunar cycle, consisting of eight unique stages of the moon’s visibility. As per NASA, these phases arise as the Sun sheds light on various portions of the moon while it travels around Earth.

Keep reading to learn what you can see when you gaze up tonight, Sept. 28.

What is the moon phase for today?

On Sunday, Sept. 28, the moon phase is Waxing Crescent, and according to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation, 36% of its surface is illuminated this evening.

There’s plenty to observe tonight, so look to the sky. With the unaided eye, you’ll catch sight of the Mare Crisium, Mare Tranquillitatis, and the Mare Fecunditatis. For those in the Northern Hemisphere, these can be found to the right of the moon, from the center upward. In the Southern Hemisphere, direct your gaze to the bottom left.

If you possess binoculars, utilize them to view the Posidonius Crater, the Endymion Crater, and the Mare Nectaris. With a telescope, you will also be able to see the Apollo 17 and 11 landing locations along with the Descartes Highlands.

When will the next full moon occur?

The upcoming full moon is scheduled for Oct. 6. The previous full moon took place on Sept. 7.

What exactly are moon phases?

NASA clarifies that moon phases are elements of a 29.5-day cycle corresponding to the moon’s orbit, changing the angles among the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases depict how the moon looks from Earth during its orbit; at times it appears full, while at other times it seems to fade away, yet we consistently view the same lunar side, with the extent of sunlight it captures fluctuating based on its position in orbit.

This leads to full moons, half moons, and moons that appear entirely absent. There are eight main moon phases in a recurring cycle:

New Moon – The moon exists between Earth and the sun, leaving the side we observe in darkness (invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent – A tiny 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, though it is not yet completely bright.

Full Moon – The full face of the moon is bright and entirely visible.

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

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

Waning Crescent – A thin sliver of light lingers on the left side before becoming dark once more.