Tonight, November 15, 2025, the moon appears as a waning crescent, with less than 20% of its surface illuminated. Though visibility is decreasing, keen observers can still discern subtle features with the naked eye, while binoculars and telescopes reveal even more detail. This phase marks a transition in the lunar cycle, moving toward the next new moon.
What Does the Waning Crescent Mean?
The waning crescent phase occurs as the moon retreats from its full illumination, shrinking in apparent size each night. Currently, only a thin sliver of the moon is visible, appearing as a delicate arc in the evening sky. Despite the reduced brightness, dedicated stargazers can identify prominent landmarks such as the Kepler Crater and the Aristarchus Plateau.
With the aid of binoculars, the Grimaldi Basin becomes visible, while telescopes reveal the Reiner Gamma region, a distinctive feature on the lunar surface. The waning crescent signals that the moon is moving closer to its next new moon phase, when it will become entirely invisible to the naked eye.
When Will the Next Full Moon Arrive?
The next full moon will occur on December 4, 2025. This lunar event marks the peak of the moon’s illumination, with its entire visible surface bathed in sunlight. The full moon is a dramatic contrast to the current waning crescent, offering a stark reminder of the moon’s cyclical nature.
Understanding Moon Phases: A 29.5-Day Cycle
The moon’s phases are the result of its 29.5-day orbital period around Earth. As the moon orbits, the amount of sunlight reflected onto its surface changes, creating the familiar phases we observe.
The moon always presents the same face to Earth, but the angle at which sunlight strikes that face varies, leading to the cycle of phases. The eight primary phases repeat endlessly, each one a distinct stage in the moon’s journey around our planet.
These phases are not merely visual phenomena; they influence tides, animal behavior, and even cultural traditions across the globe.
The Eight Moon Phases Explained
- New Moon: The moon is between Earth and the sun, rendering its visible side dark.
- Waxing Crescent: A thin sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
- First Quarter: Half of the moon is illuminated on the right side.
- Waxing Gibbous: More than half of the moon is lit, but not yet full.
- Full Moon: The entire visible face of the moon is illuminated.
- Waning Gibbous: The moon begins to lose light on the right side.
- Third Quarter (Last Quarter): Half of the moon is lit on the left side.
- Waning Crescent: A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before disappearing.
The moon’s phases are a continuous cycle, driven by its orbital motion and the interplay of sunlight. Each phase offers a unique view of our celestial neighbor, reminding us of the dynamic relationship between Earth and the cosmos
