After the full moon, the moon will gradually become less observable each night until the New Moon, a phenomenon known as the lunar cycle.

What is the current moon phase?

On Thursday, Nov. 6, the moon phase is Waning Gibbous, with 98% of the moon shining brightly tonight, based on NASA’s Daily Moon Observation.

The moon appears large and luminous in the sky this evening, providing much to observe if the clouds are clear. Without visual instruments, you can identify the Tycho Crater, Mare Vaporum, and Mare Serenitatis. By using binoculars, you will also see the Clavius Crater, Mare Humorum, and Mare Frigoris. A telescope will disclose the Apollo 14 and 17 landing sites, along with the Rima Ariadaeus, a crack system formed by ascending magma.

When is the upcoming full moon?

The next full moon is set to take place on Dec. 4.

What exactly are moon phases?

NASA clarifies that as the Moon travels around Earth in roughly 29.5 days, it experiences a variety of phases. These phases arise from the shifting angles among the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Depending on where it is positioned, the Moon might seem fully illuminated, partially illuminated, or entirely obscured, although we consistently see the same side. The extent of sunlight reflecting off its surface alters, forming a cyclical pattern referred to as the lunar cycle.

The eight primary moon phases consist of:

New Moon – The moon lies between Earth and the sun, causing the side we observe to be dark (invisible).

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

First Quarter – The moon is half-lit on the right side, resembling a half-moon.

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

Full Moon – The whole face of the moon is lit and fully 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 narrow slice of light persists on the left side before it fades to darkness again.