Moon Phase Today: What The Moon Will Look Like On December 17
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On December 17th, the moon is in its Waning Crescent phase. Only a small sliver will be visible. Find out when the next full moon is coming!
We are approaching the New Moon, and the Moon's illuminated surface is decreasing to a thin crescent. This waning phase signals the end of the current lunar cycle.
**What is the Moon's Phase Today?**
As of Wednesday, December 17th, the Moon is in its Waning Crescent phase. NASA's Daily Moon Observation indicates that only 6% of the Moon's surface is illuminated tonight.
Without visual aids, the Moon might be difficult to spot. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. the Grimaldi Basin should be observable using binoculars or a telescope.
**When is the Next Full Moon?**
The next full moon will occur on January 3rd. The most recent full moon was on December 4th.
**Understanding Moon Phases**
NASA reports that the Moon requires approximately 29.5 days to complete a full cycle. Throughout this period, it progresses through various phases as it orbits the Earth. Although the same side of the Moon always faces our planet, the amount of sunlight reflected from its surface varies. This causes the Moon to appear fully lit, partially lit, or entirely invisible at different times during its cycle. The lunar cycle is divided into eight primary phases:
- New Moon:** The Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, rendering the side facing us dark and effectively invisible.
- Waxing Crescent:** A slender sliver of light becomes visible on the right side (in the Northern Hemisphere).
- First Quarter:** Half of the Moon appears illuminated on the right side, resembling a half-moon.
- Waxing Gibbous:** More than half of the Moon is illuminated, but it has not yet reached its full phase.
- Full Moon:** The entire lunar surface facing Earth is illuminated and fully visible.
- Waning Gibbous:** The Moon begins to lose illumination on the right side (in the Northern Hemisphere).
- Third Quarter (or Last Quarter):** Another half-moon phase, but this time the left side is illuminated.
- Waning Crescent:** A narrow sliver of light remains on the left side before the Moon transitions back to darkness.
