It’s the initial moon of July, and each evening unveils an increasing illumination of the moon, signifying our journey through the lunar cycle.

The lunar cycle features eight unique phases of the moon’s visibility. This cycle spans roughly 29.5 days, as noted by NASA, and these phases arise as the Sun casts light on different portions of the moon while it revolves around Earth.

Discover what’s occurring with the moon tonight, July 1.

What is the current moon phase?

As of Tuesday, July 1, the moon phase is Waxing Crescent. 38% of the moon will be illuminated and visible from our vantage point on Earth (based on NASA’s Daily Moon Observation).

Today marks the sixth day of the lunar cycle, and we wish for clear skies tonight as there’s much to observe on the moon’s surface.

With just the naked eye, you can identify the Mare Crisium, Mare Tranquillitatis, and Mare Fecunditatis. In the Northern Hemisphere, these features will appear in the upper right of the moon. In the Southern Hemisphere, direct your gaze to the lower left.

Utilizing binoculars will reveal even more. Both the Endymion Crater and Posidonius Crater are observable, along with Mare Nectaris.

And that’s just the beginning; if you have access to a telescope, there’s even greater detail to admire tonight. Both Apollo 11 and Apollo 17 can be identified, marking two of the most notable moon landings: the first and last human missions to the Moon.

Slightly south of these locations (north if you’re viewing from the Southern Hemisphere), you can catch a glimpse of Rupes Altai, a circular cliff.

When is the upcoming full moon?

The full moon this month will take place on July 10. The previous full moon occurred on June 11.

What are the various moon phases?

Moon phases result from the 29.5-day cycle of the moon’s orbit, modifying the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases depict how the moon is perceived from Earth as it circles around us. We always view the same side of the moon, but the portion illuminated by the Sun varies with its orbital location. This produces full moons, half moons, and phases when the moon appears completely dark. There are eight primary moon phases, cycling in repetition:

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

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

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

Waxing Gibbous – More than half is lit, but it has not yet reached fullness.

Full Moon – The entire face of the moon is aglow and entirely visible.

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

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

Waning Crescent – A slender slice of light remains on the left side before it becomes dark once more.