Interested in the moon’s current phase? We have all the details about its latest stage in the lunar cycle.

The lunar cycle is made up of eight unique phases related to the moon’s visibility. This cycle lasts about 29.5 days, according to NASA, with these phases emerging as the Sun highlights various sections of the moon throughout its orbit around Earth.

Let’s discover what is taking place with the moon tonight, Aug. 29.

What is the moon phase today?

On Friday, Aug. 29, the moon is in the Waxing Crescent phase, exhibiting 34% visibility from Earth, as noted by NASA’s Daily Moon Observation.

There’s a lot to see when you look at the moon tonight. Without any optical devices, turn your gaze to the top right (bottom left if you are in the Southern Hemisphere) to identify the Mare Crisium, Mare Fecunditatis, and Mare Tranquillitatis.

If you have binoculars, you can also glimpse the Endymion Crater, the Posidonius Crater, and the Mare Nectaris. With a telescope, you would be able to view the Apollo 11, Apollo 17, and Rupes Altai.

When will the next full moon happen?

The upcoming full moon is set for Sept. 7. The previous full moon occurred on Aug. 9.

What are moon phases?

As per NASA, moon phases arise from the 29.5-day cycle of the moon’s orbit, changing the angles among the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases explain how the moon looks from Earth as it travels around us. We consistently see the same side of the moon, but the amount lit by the Sun changes depending on its orbital position. This creates full moons, half moons, and moons that appear entirely hidden. There are eight main moon phases, which follow a recurring cycle:

New Moon – The moon is situated between Earth and the sun, making the side we observe dark (essentially not visible).

Waxing Crescent – A slight sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

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

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

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

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

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

Waning Crescent – A narrow sl