Today’s Moon Phase: How the Moon Will Appear on August 8, 2025

We’re just a day away from the full moon, so let’s take a moment to appreciate the beauty occurring within the current lunar cycle. This journey consists of eight unique phases in which the moon reveals its enchanting presence. The entire cycle lasts about 29.5 days, as shared by NASA, with the Sun illuminating varying portions of the moon as it gracefully orbits our Earth. So, what can we anticipate from the moon tonight, August 8?

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Thursday, August 8, the moon phase is Waxing Gibbous. According to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation, the moon will shine at 99% tonight—just a breath away from fullness! So, what wonders await in the night sky? Without any visual aids, you might notice features like the Mare Imbrium, the Kepler Crater, and the Mare Vaporum. If you have binoculars, you’ll discover the Mare Humorum, the Endymion Crater, and the Posidonius Crater. And if you’re exploring with a telescope, you can reveal the Descartes Highlands, the Schiller Crater, and the Rupes Altai.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will grace the sky on August 9. The last full moon was on July 10.

What are moon phases?

According to NASA, moon phases originate from the 29.5-day cycle of the moon’s orbit, which alters the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. These phases beautifully depict how the moon appears from our perspective as it travels around us. We consistently see the same side of the moon; however, the amount illuminated by the Sun changes with its orbit. This creates the stunning display of full moons, half moons, and moments when the moon appears completely hidden. There are eight primary moon phases that follow a gentle, repeating cycle:

• New Moon – The moon graces the space between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (invisible to the eye).
• Waxing Crescent – A small sliver of light emerges on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
• First Quarter – Half of the moon is lit on the right side, resembling a half-moon.
• Waxing Gibbous – More than half is illuminated, but it isn’t quite full yet.
• Full Moon – The entire face of the moon is radiantly lit and fully visible.
• Waning Gibbous – The moon begins to lose its light on the right side.
• Last Quarter (or Third Quarter) – Another half-moon, yet now the left side is aglow.
• Waning Crescent – A delicate sliver of light lingers on the left side before darkness returns.