The moon is currently in a Waning Crescent phase, meaning only a tiny 1% of its surface is illuminated as of November 19, 2025. Visibility will be extremely limited tonight, making surface details nearly impossible to observe. This phase marks the final stage before the next lunar cycle begins, gradually bringing the moon back into view.
What Does Waning Crescent Mean?
The Waning Crescent occurs as the moon finishes its descent into darkness after the full moon. As the name suggests, it appears as a thin, fading crescent in the sky. This phase is often the last chance to see the moon before it becomes invisible during the New Moon.
When to Expect the Next Full Moon
The next full moon will occur on December 4, and will be part of a rare series of three consecutive supermoons. The previous full moon occurred on November 5, making this next one the last in a string of particularly bright and large lunar displays. Supermoons appear closer and brighter in the sky because the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit.
Understanding Lunar Phases
The moon goes through a predictable cycle of phases over approximately 29.5 days as it orbits Earth. These phases are determined by how much of the sunlit side of the moon is visible from our perspective. Here’s a breakdown of the eight primary moon phases:
- New Moon: The moon is between Earth and the sun, appearing dark from our viewpoint.
- Waxing Crescent: A thin sliver of light emerges on the right side (in the Northern Hemisphere).
- First Quarter: Half of the moon is lit on the right side, resembling a half-moon.
- Waxing Gibbous: More than half of the moon is illuminated, but not fully round.
- Full Moon: The entire face of the moon is visible, appearing bright and full.
- Waning Gibbous: The moon begins to lose light on the right side (in the Northern Hemisphere).
- Third Quarter (Last Quarter): Half of the moon is lit on the left side.
- Waning Crescent: A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before disappearing.
The regular appearance of these phases has been tracked for centuries, providing a reliable celestial clock for cultures around the world.
The lunar cycle isn’t just a beautiful sight – it influences tides, animal behavior, and even certain agricultural practices. Understanding these phases helps us connect with the natural rhythms of our planet.
