Moon phase today explained: What the moon will look like on December 20, 2025
Tonight the Moon is still very thin, marking the start of the waxing crescent phase in the United States. However, in some parts of the world (depending on time zone), the New Moon officially occurs tonight.
What is the moon phase today?
As of Saturday, December 20, the phase of the moon is the waxed crescent (if you are in the United States). There is little to see tonight, with NASA’s Daily Moon Observation indicating that 0% of the moon will be illuminated. Of course, there is little to no chance of spotting any features on the Moon’s surface tonight.
When will the next full moon be?
The next full moon will be on January 3. The last full moon will be on December 4.
What are moon phases?
According to NASA, the Moon takes approximately 29.5 days to complete a complete cycle. This is called the lunar cycle. Throughout this period, it goes through a series of phases as it orbits the Earth. Although the same side of the Moon always faces us, the amount of sunlight reflected off its surface changes, which is why it can appear fully lit, partially lit, or completely invisible at different times in the cycle. This process is divided into eight main lunar phases:
New Moon – The Moon sits between the Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it’s invisible to the naked eye).
Crushable speed of light
Waxed Crescent – A small burst of light appears on the right side (northern hemisphere).
First Quarter – Half of the moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half moon.
Waxing Gibbous – More than half is lit, but it’s not quite full yet.
Full Moon – The entire face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.
Waning Gibbous – The moon begins to lose light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) – Another half moon, but now the left side is lit.
Waning Crescent – A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before turning dark again.
