The Moon is in its Waxing Crescent phase tonight, December 24, 2025, meaning it will appear as a slender sliver of light in the night sky. Roughly 18% of the Moon’s surface is illuminated, and it’s becoming noticeably brighter each night as it progresses toward fullness. This is a natural and predictable event, part of the Moon’s 29.5-day cycle.
Observing the Moon Tonight
With the naked eye, observers may be able to identify the dark lunar seas known as Mare Crisium and Mare Fecunditatis, which appear as darker patches against the lit portion of the Moon. Those with binoculars or a small telescope will have an even better view, potentially spotting the Endymion Crater among other surface details.
Upcoming Full Moon
The next Full Moon is scheduled for January 3, 2026. The previous Full Moon occurred on December 4, 2025, marking the completion of one lunar cycle. These predictable phases have been observed and tracked for millennia, influencing calendars, agriculture, and even cultural traditions.
Understanding Lunar Phases
The Moon orbits Earth, and as it does, the amount of sunlight reflecting off its surface changes from our perspective. This causes the familiar cycle of lunar phases. Here’s a breakdown of the eight main phases:
- New Moon: The Moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun, so its visible side is dark.
- Waxing Crescent: A sliver of light appears on the right side (in the Northern Hemisphere). This is what we see tonight.
- First Quarter: Half of the Moon is lit on the right side.
- Waxing Gibbous: More than half of the Moon is lit, but it’s not yet full.
- Full Moon: The entire visible surface 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 again.
The Moon’s consistent cycle ensures that these phases are reliable and observable, making it a constant presence in our night sky.
The lunar cycle is a fundamental aspect of celestial mechanics, reminding us of the predictable rhythms governing our solar system.
