Discover Today’s Moon Phase: What to Expect on August 3, 2025

Have you noticed the moon getting brighter each night? We’re moving closer to the next full moon! Let’s dive into the lunar cycle and see where we stand.

The lunar cycle spans about 29.5 days and includes eight phases. This cycle happens as the moon orbits Earth, with sunlight illuminating different parts of it. For more details, you can check out NASA’s moon page.

As of today, August 3, we are in the Waxing Gibbous phase. According to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation, the moon is 69% illuminated tonight.

It’s day 10 of the lunar cycle, and there’s plenty to see with just your eyes! Check out the Copernicus Crater and the Mare Fecunditatis. If you have binoculars, you can find the Alphonsus Crater and Mare Crisium. A telescope will unveil even more details, like the Rima Argadaeus and Fra Mauro Highlands, which is where Apollo 14 landed.

The next full moon will be on August 9, following the last one on July 10. It’s a good time to reflect on how the moon has influenced cultures throughout history. For centuries, people have relied on the lunar phases for planting crops, tracking time, and even guiding navigation.

So, what exactly are moon phases? According to NASA, they result from the moon’s orbit around Earth. The angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth change how we see the moon. We always see the same side, but the light varies. This cycle creates full moons, half-moons, and invisible new moons.

Here are the eight main phases:

• New Moon: The moon is hidden between Earth and the Sun.
• Waxing Crescent: A tiny sliver of light appears on the right.
• First Quarter: Half of the moon is lit on the right side.
• Waxing Gibbous: More than half is lit, but not fully.
• Full Moon: We see the entire face of the moon.
• Waning Gibbous: The moon starts to lose light on the right side.
• Last Quarter: Another half-moon, but the left side is now lit.
• Waning Crescent: A thin sliver of light remains on the left before it goes dark again.

Recently, social media has seen an uptick in moon photography, with many users sharing their images and thoughts. The fascination with the moon continues to captivate, reminding us of its beauty and timeless wonder.

If you want to explore this further, NASA offers several resources and activities to help you deepen your understanding of the moon and its phases.

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