Today’s Moon Phase: Appearance of the Moon on August 6, 2025

It’s hard to believe we’re still a few days away from a full moon, especially when it looks almost there tonight. The lunar cycle is a serene series of eight unique phases of the moon’s visibility, and we’re currently in the gentle embrace of the phase leading up to a full moon. This entire cycle takes about 29.5 days, according to NASA, as the Sun illuminates different parts of the moon while it gracefully orbits our Earth.

So, what’s happening with the moon tonight, Aug. 6?

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Wednesday, Aug. 6, the moon phase is Waxing Gibbous. According to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation, the moon will be 91% lit up tonight, marking the 13th day of the lunar cycle.

If you enjoy observing the moon’s surface features, now is the perfect moment to bring out your binoculars. With your unaided eye, you’ll be able to spot many intriguing marks tonight, including the Mare Crisium, the Mare Tranquillitatis, and the Tycho Crater. Binoculars will unveil even more beauty, revealing the Mare Humorum, the Alps Mountains, and the Clavius Crater. If you’re fortunate enough to have a telescope, a world of geological wonders awaits your gaze, including the Caucasus Mountains, Apollo 11, and the Descartes Highlands.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will grace our skies on August 9. The last full moon was on July 10.

What are moon phases?

According to NASA, moon phases arise from the 29.5-day cycle of the moon’s orbit, altering the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases reflect how the moon appears from Earth during its journey around us. While we consistently see the same side of the moon, the amount illuminated by the Sun fluctuates based on its position in this celestial dance. This cycle brings us full moons, half moons, and even moons that are invisible. The eight primary moon phases follow a comforting, repeating rhythm:

• New Moon – The moon is between Earth and the sun, casting a dark veil over the side we see (in other words, it’s invisible to the eye).
• Waxing Crescent – A small, radiant sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
• First Quarter – Half of the moon is illuminated on the right side, creating a beautiful half-moon.
• Waxing Gibbous – More than half is aglow, yet it’s not quite full.
• Full Moon – The entire face of the moon shines brightly and is fully visible.
• Waning Gibbous – The moon begins to lose its light on the right side, easing into a gentle descent.
• Last Quarter (or Third Quarter) – Another half-moon, but now the left side is illuminated.
• Waning Crescent – A delicate sliver of light lingers on the left side before dusk once more pairs with night.