The Full Moon is nearing, but if you’re interested in the moon tonight, keep reading for all the information you require.

The moon looks different each night from our perspective because of the lunar cycle, which includes eight unique phases of visibility. This cycle takes around 29.5 days (as per NASA), with the Sun lighting up different sections of the moon as it circles Earth. The moon is constantly there, but our observation shifts based on its illumination.

Find out what’s occurring with the moon tonight, July 5.

What phase is the moon in today?

On Saturday, July 5, the moon phase is Waxing Gibbous. According to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation, 75% of the moon will be lit and visible from Earth.

This signifies day 10 of the lunar cycle, with only one phase left before the Full Moon. With much of the moon illuminated, there are many geological features to explore, both with the naked eye and with instruments.

This evening, you can observe the Mare Vaporum, the Copernicus Crater, and the Tycho Crater with the naked eye. Using binoculars, you can also see the Alps Mountains, Archimedes Crater, and the Alphonsus Crater.

If you have a telescope, you’re in for an excellent evening of moon observing, with additional views of the Linne Crater, Apollo 12, and the Rupes Altai.

When is the next full moon?

This month’s full moon will take place on July 10. The last full moon was on June 11.

What are the phases of the moon?

Moon phases are the result of the 29.5-day cycle of the moon’s orbit, changing the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases illustrate how the moon appears from Earth as it orbits us. We always see the same side of the moon, but the Sun’s illumination varies based on its position in orbit. This leads to full moons, half moons, and moons that appear absent. There are eight main moon phases, following a repeating cycle:

New Moon – The moon is situated between Earth and the sun, casting the side we see in darkness (invisible to the eye).

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

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

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

Full Moon – The entire surface of the moon is lit and completely observable.

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

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

Waning Crescent – A narrow sliver of light remains on the left side before it becomes dark again.