As we near the Full Moon, tonight the moon shines more than halfway, showcasing our current standing in the lunar cycle.

The lunar cycle consists of eight unique phases of the moon’s visibility, spanning roughly 29.5 days (per NASA). These stages happen as the Sun lights up various sections of the moon during its journey around Earth. The moon is always there, yet our perspective from Earth shifts based on the portion that is illuminated.

Take a look at the moon tonight, July 4.

What is the moon phase today?

On Friday, July 4, the moon phase is Waxing Gibbous. As per NASA’s Daily Moon Observation, 66% of the moon will be visible from Earth. This indicates day nine of the lunar cycle.

This evening, there’s plenty to take in with the unaided eye, including the Mare Vaporum, Mare Fecunditatis, and the Tycho crater.

With binoculars, you can also spot the Endymion Crater, the Clavius Craters, and the Alps Mountains/Alpine Valley.

A telescope will reveal even more this evening, such as the Apollo 17 and Apollo 11 landing sites, along with the Rupes Altai.

When will the next full moon happen?

This month’s full moon is set to take place on July 10. The last full moon occurred on June 11.

What do we mean by moon phases?

Moon phases arise from the 29.5-day cycle of the moon’s orbit, changing the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases explain the moon’s appearance from our viewpoint as it travels around us. We always observe the same side of the moon, yet the lit portion varies depending on its position in orbit. This gives rise to full moons, half moons, and moons that seem to disappear. There are eight key moon phases in a repeating sequence:

New Moon – The moon is situated between Earth and the sun, leaving the side facing us dark (invisible to view).

Waxing Crescent – A small sliver of brightness appears on the right side (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 not completely full.

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

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

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

Waning Crescent – A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before it dims again.