TonightS Moon: Nearly Full as it Enters Waxing Gibbous Phase
Skywatchers will be treated to a nearly full moon tonight, October 5, 2025, as it appears in the Waxing Gibbous phase. According to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation, 96% of the lunar surface is currently illuminated. This bright display offers excellent opportunities for observing lunar features with the naked eye, binoculars, or a telescope.
The moon’s phases are determined by it’s 29.5-day orbit around Earth and the changing angles between the Sun,Moon,and our planet. This results in the varying amounts of sunlight reflected from the moon’s surface that we observe from Earth. While we always see the same side of the moon, the illuminated portion changes, creating the familiar cycle of phases.
Visible without aid tonight are the Copernicus Crater, the Aristarchus Plateau, and the mare Tranquillitatis. Binoculars will reveal the Apennine Mountains, the Mare Frigoris, and the Endymion Crater. For those with telescopes, the Apollo 16 and 17 landing spots and the Rima Ariadaeus are also within view.
The next full moon is scheduled for october 7, following the full moon on September 7.
Here’s a breakdown of the eight main moon phases:
* New Moon – The moon is between Earth and the sun, appearing dark and invisible.
* Waxing Crescent – A small sliver of light appears 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, approaching fullness.
* Full Moon – The entire face of the moon is illuminated.
* Waning gibbous – The moon begins to lose light on the right side.
* Last Quarter (or Third Quarter) – Half of the moon is lit on the left side.
* Waning Crescent – A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before becoming dark again.
