We are currently on day 26 of the lunar cycle, which indicates that the New Moon is approaching. In the upcoming nights, the moon will become invisible as it aligns between Earth and the Sun, signaling the initiation of a new lunar cycle.

What is the current moon phase?

As of Friday, Oct. 17, the moon phase is Waning Crescent. Tonight, NASA’s Daily Moon Observation reports that only 14% of the moon will be illuminated.

Visibility will significantly diminish each night. This evening, the Aristarchus Plateau can be seen without any optical assistance. If you use binoculars, you will also be able to observe the Grimaldi Basin. A telescope will uncover the Reiner Gamma, a lunar swirl on the surface of the moon.

When will the next full moon take place?

The next full moon is scheduled for Nov. 5.

What do we mean by moon phases?

The Moon undergoes a continuous cycle lasting approximately 29.5 days as it travels around Earth. These transitions are a result of the varying positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon in relation to one another. From our vantage point on Earth, we may see the Moon as full, partially illuminated, or entirely dark, but it always presents the same face towards us. What varies each night is the quantity of sunlight that reaches and reflects off its surface.

The eight principal moon phases are:

New Moon – The moon is situated between Earth and the sun, making the side we observe completely dark (invisible).

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

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

Waxing Gibbous – More than half is lit up, but it is not fully illuminated yet.

Full Moon – The entire face of the moon is bright and completely visible.

Waning Gibbous – The moon begins to lose light on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

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

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