Daniel Mercer
After several days shrouded in near-complete darkness, the Moon has regained enough illumination for us to discern some of its surface features. What captivating sights await you when you gaze upwards tonight?
What is the Current Moon Phase?
As of Saturday, July 18, according to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide tracker, the Moon is in the Waxing Crescent phase, with 19% of its surface visible to observers on Earth.
With the naked eye, you can identify the Mares Crisium and Fecunditatis this evening. If you use binoculars or a telescope, you will also be able to view the Endymion Crater.
When Will the Next Full Moon Occur?
The upcoming Full Moon is scheduled for July 29.
What Are the Different Phases of the Moon?
The Moon completes a full orbit around Earth approximately every 29.5 days, transitioning through eight distinct phases during this period, as explained by NASA. Although the same hemisphere of the Moon is always directed towards our planet, the amount of sunlight reflecting off its surface alters as it orbits. This variation in illumination angle causes the Moon to appear to change throughout the month, transitioning from a slender crescent to a half-lit disc, and ultimately to a fully illuminated Full Moon, before beginning the cycle anew.
New Moon – During this phase, the Moon is positioned between Earth and the sun, resulting in the side facing us being completely dark (invisible).
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Waxing Crescent – A small luminous sliver appears on the right side (from the Northern Hemisphere’s perspective).
First Quarter – Half of the Moon is illuminated on the right side, giving it the appearance of a half-Moon.
Waxing Gibbous – More than half of the Moon is illuminated, yet it is not full.
Full Moon – The entire face of the Moon is brightly lit and fully visible.
Waning Gibbous – The Moon begins to lose light on the right side (as seen from the Northern Hemisphere).
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) – Another half-Moon, but now the left side is illuminated.
Waning Crescent – A slender sliver of light remains on the left side before the Moon returns to darkness.
