Moon phase today explained: What the Moon will look like on February 21, 2025
We have well and truly entered the new lunar cycle, and from day four we can expect to see even more of it on the surface of the Moon. We’re now more than 10% illuminated, so keep scrolling to see what you can see on the Moon tonight.
What is the phase of the Moon today?
Since Saturday, February 21, the phase of the Moon is the waxing crescent. According to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide, 16% of the Moon will be illuminated tonight.
Even if you don’t have any visual aids, you should be able to make out some features of the Moon’s surface tonight. Notable ones include the Mares Crisium and Fecunditatis. If you add a telescope or binoculars, you can also see Endymion Crater.
When will the next Full Moon occur?
The next Full Moon will be on March 3. The last Full Moon will take place on February 1st.
What are the phases of the Moon?
NASA tells us that the Moon completes one complete orbit around Earth in about 29.5 days. During this cycle, it goes through eight distinct phases. Although we consistently see the same side of the Moon, the portion illuminated by the Sun shifts as it moves along its orbit. The changing angle of sunlight reflected from the Moon’s surface is what makes it appear full, partially lit, or almost dark at different times. The eight phases include:
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.
Gibbous Decline – 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.
