The Moon is currently in a Waxing Gibbous phase, meaning it’s more than half illuminated as it approaches full brightness. As of today, December 29, 2025, approximately 69% of the Moon’s surface is visible, offering excellent opportunities for observation.
What You Can See Tonight
With the naked eye, observers can easily spot prominent lunar features like the dark, smooth plains known as the Mares Fecunditatis and Serenitatis, along with the striking Copernicus Crater. Binoculars enhance visibility, revealing details in the Endymion Crater, the rugged Alps Mountains, and the towering Apennine Mountains. For those with telescopes, even more detail emerges: including the historical Apollo 11 landing site and the highlands of Descartes and Fra Mauro.
Next Full Moon & Lunar Cycles Explained
The next full moon is scheduled for January 3, 2025. The previous full moon occurred on December 4. The Moon orbits Earth in roughly 29.5 days, completing a full cycle of phases. The familiar changes we see – from new moon to full moon and back – aren’t about the Moon changing shape, but about how much of its sunlit surface faces us as it orbits.
Understanding the Eight Moon Phases
The lunar cycle is divided into eight distinct phases:
- New Moon: The Moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun, making its visible side dark.
- Waxing Crescent: A slender sliver of light appears on the right side (in the Northern Hemisphere).
- First Quarter: Exactly half of the Moon is lit on the right side, resembling a half-moon.
- Waxing Gibbous: More than half the Moon is illuminated, but it’s not yet full.
- Full Moon: The entire visible surface is brightly lit.
- Waning Gibbous: The Moon begins to lose illumination on the right side.
- Third Quarter (or Last Quarter): Half of the Moon is lit again, but now on the left side.
- Waning Crescent: A diminishing sliver of light remains on the left side before disappearing.
These phases are a fundamental aspect of astronomy, influencing not just our observations but also historical calendars and cultural traditions. The Moon’s phases are a simple yet compelling reminder of the celestial mechanics at play in our solar system.
