100% illumination; rises at sunset and sets at sunrise. Waning Gibbous: Light begins to decrease on the right side. Last Quarter: The opposite half is lit; rises at midnight.

Rises in the afternoon and stays up most of the night.

Tracking the lunar cycle is more than just hobbyist astronomy. Different phases impact various aspects of life on Earth:

Use binoculars to see deep craters along the "terminator" line (the edge between light and dark). The Lunar Cycle: A Quick Guide

The Moon today is in its phase, with approximately 82% illumination . Current Moon Status Phase: Waxing Gibbous Illumination: 82% Moon Age: 10.4 days Moon Distance: 398,420 km Next Full Moon: Flower Moon (May 13) Understanding the Waxing Gibbous Phase

Exactly half-illuminated; high in the sky at sunset.

The gravitational pull of the Moon controls the rise and fall of our oceans.

The Moon transitions through eight distinct phases every 29.5 days. Knowing the phase helps photographers, stargazers, and hikers plan their nights. Invisible in the sky; perfectly dark.