As of Friday, August 7, the lunar cycle sits in its final waning crescent phase with 37% of its surface visible, marking the last few nights before the New Moon renders the lunar body virtually invisible from Earth, according to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide tracker. Observers looking to spot specific lunar features face a rapidly narrowing window as the Moon’s illuminated side steadily turns away from our perspective.
Spotting Lunar Features During the Waning Crescent Phase
Without visual aids, stargazers can still catch a clear glimpse of the Aristarchus Plateau and the Copernicus Crater during these final nights of the cycle, according to NASA. Those equipped with binoculars gain a wider view, bringing the Grimaldi Basin, the Gassendi Crater, and the Mare Humorum into sharp focus. For amateur astronomers utilizing telescopes, the Schiller Crater and the historic Apollo 12 landing spot become visible targets before the lunar disk goes completely dark.
Pro Tip: Try observing the Moon during twilight rather than midnight. Lower contrast in the sky makes subtle surface features like craters and basins easier to distinguish through binoculars.
Understanding the Lunar Cycle and Future Full Moons
The Moon’s appearance shifts constantly as it orbits Earth, completing one full lunar cycle approximately every 29.5 days, according to NASA data. This monthly journey involves a shifting geometry between the Sun, Earth, and Moon that alters how much illuminated surface remains visible from the ground. Following the upcoming New Moon, the cycle resets through its eight distinct stages—from a slim crescent to a half Moon, a Full Moon, and back down to a waning crescent. The next Full Moon is officially scheduled to take place on August 28.
Did You Know? The eight official moon phases documented by NASA include the New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Third Quarter (or Last Quarter), and Waning Crescent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current Moon phase?
According to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide, the Moon is currently in the waning crescent phase with 37% of its surface visible.
When is the next Full Moon?
The next Full Moon will occur on August 28.
How long does a complete lunar cycle take?
A full lunar cycle takes approximately 29.5 days to complete, as the positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon shift.
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