On Friday, November 7, 2025, the moon will appear as a Waning Gibbous phase, meaning approximately 94% of its surface will be illuminated. This observation, provided by NASA’s Daily Moon Observation, marks a point in the lunar cycle as the moon continues its journey toward the upcoming New Moon.
Understanding the Current Lunar Phase
The lunar cycle unfolds over roughly 29.5 days as the moon orbits Earth. This continuous movement alters the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth, creating a constantly changing view of the moon’s illuminated surface. While we always see the same side of the moon, the amount of sunlight reflected back to Earth varies, resulting in the phases we observe.
What to Look For Tonight
Even with a Waning Gibbous phase, there’s still plenty to see on the moon’s surface. Here’s a guide for different observation tools:
- Naked Eye: Keen observers might spot features like the Aristarchus Plateau, Mare Serenitatis, and the Mare Vaporum.
- Binoculars: With binoculars, you’ll significantly enhance visibility and potentially see details like the Posidonius Crater, Alphonsus Crater, and the Apennine Mountains.
- Telescope: For the most detailed view, a telescope allows observation of features such as Reiner Gamma, the Apollo 14 landing site, and the Rima Ariadaeus.
The Lunar Cycle: A Repeating Pattern
The moon’s phases follow a predictable sequence, a cycle of illumination and darkness:
- New Moon: The moon sits between Earth and the Sun, rendering it virtually invisible to us.
- Waxing Crescent: A small sliver of light appears on the right side (as viewed from the Northern Hemisphere).
- First Quarter: Half of the moon’s face is illuminated, resembling a half-moon shape.
- Waxing Gibbous: More than half of the moon’s surface is lit, but it’s not yet a full moon.
- Full Moon: The entire face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.
- Waning Gibbous: The moon begins to lose light on its right side (Northern Hemisphere).
- Third Quarter (or Last Quarter): Another half-moon, but this time the left side is illuminated.
- Waning Crescent: A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before the cycle restarts.
Looking Ahead: The Next Full Moon
If you miss tonight’s viewing, the next Full Moon will occur on December 4, offering a dramatically different – and fully illuminated – lunar landscape.
Understanding the moon’s phases enhances our appreciation for the celestial dance occurring above us, providing a fascinating opportunity for observation and exploration. It’s a natural cycle, readily accessible, and a source of wonder for observers of all levels.
