Moon Phase Today: What The Moon Will Look Like On December 18

We are currently approaching the New Moon, marking the near beginning of a new lunar cycle. This cycle, which lasts approximately 29.5 days, represents the time it takes for the Moon to orbit Earth. During this period, the Moon's shape appears to change as varying amounts of its sunlit surface become visible from Earth.

Currently, on Thursday, December 17th, the Moon is in its Waning Crescent phase. NASA's Daily Moon Observation indicates that only 2% of the Moon's surface is illuminated tonight. With such a small portion of the Moon visible, observing any surface details will likely be difficult.

The next full moon will occur on January 3rd. The previous full moon was on December 4th.

NASA explains that the Moon takes about 29.5 days to complete a full cycle of phases. As it orbits our planet, we see different amounts of reflected sunlight, giving rise to the various phases. Although the Moon always presents the same side to Earth, the changing illumination creates the illusion of different shapes – from fully lit to partially lit to completely dark. The eight primary lunar phases are:

• New Moon:** The Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, rendering its visible side dark and seemingly invisible.
• Waxing Crescent:** A thin 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 lit, but it has not yet reached its full illumination.
• Full Moon:** The entire face of the Moon is brightly illuminated and fully visible.
• Waning Gibbous:** The Moon begins to lose light on its right side (in the Northern Hemisphere).
• Third Quarter (or Last Quarter):** Another half-moon shape, but this time the left side is illuminated.
• Waning Crescent:** Only a small sliver of light remains on the left side before the Moon appears dark again.