The Moon is currently in its Waxing Crescent phase, becoming increasingly visible in the night sky. As of February 23, 2025, approximately 36% of the lunar surface is illuminated. This means the Moon appears as a slender sliver of light, growing larger each night.
Observing the Moon Tonight
For casual observers, several prominent dark lunar features, known as mares (Latin for seas), are easily visible. These include the Mare Fecunditatis, Mare Tranquillitatis, and Mare Serenitatis.
Observers with binoculars can spot additional details like the Endymion Crater and the Mare Nectaris. Those using telescopes can observe even finer features, including the Apollo 16 and 17 landing sites, as well as the Rupes Altai, a dramatic cliff on the lunar surface.
Upcoming Full Moon
The next Full Moon is scheduled for March 3, 2025. The previous Full Moon occurred on February 1, marking a roughly 29.5-day lunar cycle. This cycle is determined by the time it takes the Moon to complete one orbit around Earth.
Understanding Lunar Phases
The Moon’s phases are a result of its orbit around Earth and the changing angles at which sunlight reflects off its surface. Although we always see the same side of the Moon, the amount of illuminated surface varies throughout its orbit, creating the eight distinct phases:
- New Moon: The Moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun, rendering its visible side dark.
- Waxing Crescent: A thin sliver of light appears on the right side (in the Northern Hemisphere).
- First Quarter: Half of the Moon is lit on the right side.
- Waxing Gibbous: More than half of the Moon is illuminated, but not yet full.
- Full Moon: The entire face of the Moon is fully lit.
- Waning Gibbous: The Moon begins to lose light on the right side.
- Third Quarter: The left side of the Moon is illuminated.
- Waning Crescent: A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before disappearing.
The lunar cycle is a fundamental part of understanding our planet’s relationship with its nearest celestial neighbor. Observing these phases allows us to track time and gain perspective on Earth’s place in the solar system.
