As of Sunday, August 2, the Moon is in its waning gibbous phase with 87% of its surface visible, according to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide tracker. Observers looking up tonight can spot major lunar features with just the naked eye or basic optics as the satellite progresses through its 29.5-day cycle.
Viewing the Waning Gibbous Moon Tonight
You don’t need expensive visual equipment to observe distinct landmarks on the lunar surface. With just your naked eye, NASA states you can spot the Oceanus Procellarum, Kepler Crater, and Mare Vaporum. Simple gear expands these options significantly.
If you have a pair of binoculars, you can view the Alphonsus Crater, Mare Humorum, and the Mare Frigoris. Pulling out a telescope brings those features into sharper focus while revealing the Apollo 15 landing spot, the Rima Ariadaeus, and the Schiller Crater.
Did You Know? The Moon goes through a complete cycle of eight distinct phases roughly every 29.5 days as the angle between the Sun, Earth, and Moon constantly shifts, changing how much of the sunlit side we see from Earth.
Understanding the Eight Lunar Phases
According to NASA, the progression from a thin crescent to a half moon and eventually a full moon follows a strict sequence. The next Full Moon will take place on August 28.
The complete eight-phase lunar cycle includes:
- New Moon: The Moon sits between Earth and the sun, making the side we see entirely dark and invisible to the eye.
- Waxing Crescent: A small 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 of the surface is lit up, though it is not yet fully illuminated.
- Full Moon: The entire face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible from Earth.
- Waning Gibbous: The Moon starts losing light on the right side in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Third Quarter (Last Quarter): Another half-moon phase, but now the left side is illuminated.
- Waning Crescent: A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before the Moon goes dark again for the New Moon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current Moon phase?
According to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide, the Moon is currently in a waning gibbous phase with 87% of its surface visible.
Can I see lunar craters without a telescope?
Yes. Naked-eye observers can spot features like the Oceanus Procellarum and Kepler Crater, while binoculars reveal additional landmarks such as the Alphonsus Crater.
When is the next Full Moon?
The next Full Moon will occur on August 28, according to astronomical tracking data.
How long is the complete lunar cycle?
NASA reports that the Moon completes its full cycle of eight phases roughly every 29.5 days.
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