Understanding Today’s Moon Phase: A Preview of the Moon’s Appearance on November 28, 2025

It’s the First Quarter tonight, bringing us a beautiful half-illuminated Moon positioned 90 degrees from the Sun. This phase wonderfully signifies the midpoint between the New Moon and the Full Moon.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Friday, Nov. 28, the moon phase is First Quarter. This means 53% of the moon is aglow tonight, according to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation. The moon is half full, inviting us to gaze up and appreciate its beauty. According to NASA, you should be able to spot the Vaporum, Tranquillitatis, and Serenitatis Mares without any visual aids. If you have binoculars at hand, you’ll also be delighted to see the Endymion and Alphonsus Craters, along with the Mare Nectaris. For those with a telescope, it’s a perfect time to catch glimpses of the Apollo 15 and 17 landing spots, and the Descartes Highlands.

When is the next full moon?

Mark your calendars for the next full moon on Dec. 4, which will be the last of three consecutive supermoons. A beautiful reminder that the universe is ever-changing; the last full moon was on Nov. 5.

What are moon phases?

According to NASA, moon phases beautifully illustrate the lunar cycle, a repeating journey that lasts around 29.5 days. These phases reflect how the moon appears from Earth as it gracefully orbits our planet. While we always see the same side of the moon, the sunlight illuminating it varies through its orbit, making it seem full at times, halfway at others, or shrouded in darkness. There are eight enchanting moon phases:

• New Moon – The moon lies between Earth and the sun, leaving the side we see dark (in essence, it’s invisible to the eye).
• Waxing Crescent – A gentle sliver of light graces the right side (in the Northern Hemisphere).
• First Quarter – Half of the moon shines brightly on the right side, displaying its distinct half-moon shape.
• Waxing Gibbous – More than half is illuminated, yet the moon isn’t quite full.
• Full Moon – The entire face of the moon glows brightly and is fully visible.
• Waning Gibbous – The moon begins to lose its radiant light on the right side (in the Northern Hemisphere).
• Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) – Another half-moon moment, this time with the left side aglow.
• Waning Crescent – A delicate sliver of light lingers on the left side before fading away again.