What Moon Phase Will Shine Over the U.S. Tonight? Check Before You Look Up!

The moon has been getting dimmer since the last full moon because of a specific celestial reason. The lunar cycle is a movement of the moon that determines how much of the moon's surface we see illuminated from day to night. While it may be observable that the moon is not as bright today as it was a few days ago, the reasoning behind it allows us to appreciate the beauty and precision that our solar system has.

NASA outlines that the lunar cycle has eight phases and lasts nearly 29.5 days. Each lunar phase is established while the moon travels around the Earth, based on how the Sun lights up the surface of the moon. So, U.S residents, if you are looking up tonight, here is precisely what you will see, along with when you can expect the next full moon, and what each of the moon phases means.

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What is today’s moon phase in the U.S.?

On Monday, August 11, the moon is in its Waning Gibbous phase, meaning it’s past its peak brightness after the recent full moon. So, tonight, about 94% of the moon’s surface will be visible from Earth, as per NASA's Daily Moon Observation.

What can you see tonight without special equipment?

If you’re just using your eyes, you can still spot some remarkable lunar features, including:

• Aristarchus Plateau

• Mare Vaporum

• Mare Serenitatis

These areas will be lit enough to make out from the ground.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on Sept. 7, so mark your calendars. The last full moon was on Aug. 9, when the moon’s entire surface facing Earth was illuminated.

What are moon phases?

Moon phases occur due to the moon’s 29.5-day orbit around Earth, which changes the angle between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Although we always see the same side of the moon, the portion lit by sunlight shifts, creating the different phases.

The eight main moon phases are:

1. New Moon – The moon is between Earth and the Sun, so the visible side is dark.

2. Waxing Crescent – A small right-side sliver of light appears.

3. First Quarter – Half of the moon is lit on the right side.

4. Waxing Gibbous – More than half lit, but not yet full.

5. Full Moon – Entire face is illuminated.

6. Waning Gibbous – Light starts fading from the right side.

7. Last Quarter – Half lit, with the left side illuminated.

8. Waning Crescent – A thin left-side sliver remains before darkness.

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Why does tonight’s phase matter for stargazers?

Being aware of the moon's phase can help you plan your night sky observations. A bright Waning Gibbous will still provide excellent visibility for lunar details, but its softer light allows you to see nearby stars and constellations quite easily.