Today’s Moon Phase: A Preview of the Moon’s Appearance on August 11, 2025

The moon gracefully dims each night following the full moon. You might wonder why that is. It relates to the enchanting lunar cycle. This cycle consists of eight unique phases, taking about 29.5 days, as shared by NASA. Each phase occurs as the Sun illuminates different portions of the moon while it orbits Earth.

So, what can you expect from the moon tonight, August 11?

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Monday, August 11, the moon phase is Waning Gibbous, with 94% illumination visible from our vantage point on Earth, according to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation. On this serene evening, you can appreciate features like the Aristarchus Plateau, Mare Vaporum, and Mare Serenitatis with the naked eye. If you have binoculars, you can catch glimpses of the Gassendi Crater and Mare Frigoris, and a telescope will reveal Apollo 15, the Schiller Crater, and even more captivating sights.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will grace the sky on September 7. The last full moon occurred on August 9.

What are moon phases?

According to NASA, moon phases arise from the moon’s 29.5-day orbit, altering the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. These phases depict how the moon appears from our perspective as it journeys around us. While we consistently see the same side of the moon, the illumination we witness changes based on its position in orbit, creating the beautiful variations of full moons, half moons, and even the moments when the moon is nearly invisible.

There are eight main moon phases, each following a harmonious cycle:

• New Moon – The moon resides between Earth and the sun, leaving the side we see dark, making it invisible to our eyes.
• Waxing Crescent – A gentle sliver of light appears on the right side (in the Northern Hemisphere).
• First Quarter – Half of the moon glows brightly on the right side, resembling a half-moon.
• Waxing Gibbous – More than half is illuminated, yet it is not fully round.
• Full Moon – The entire face of the moon is aglow and magnificently visible.
• Waning Gibbous – The moon begins to lose light on the right side.
• Last Quarter (or Third Quarter) – Another half-moon appears, this time with the left side illuminated.
• Waning Crescent – A slender sliver of light remains on the left, gently fading before darkness returns.