The lunar cycle has begun anew, with a nearly invisible moon gracing the night sky on November 21, 2025. This marks the start of a gradual brightening over the coming nights as the moon transitions through its phases.
Current Moon Phase: Waxing Crescent
As of today, Friday, November 21st, the moon is in its Waxing Crescent phase. According to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation, only 2% of the moon’s surface is illuminated. This makes it difficult to spot any details on the lunar surface with the naked eye.
The Waxing Crescent phase is the first visible stage after the New Moon, characterized by a thin sliver of light increasing each night.
Upcoming Full Moon and Supermoon Series
The next full moon will occur on December 4th, marking the conclusion of three consecutive supermoons. The most recent full moon was observed on November 5th. Supermoons appear larger and brighter than usual due to the moon’s closer proximity to Earth in its elliptical orbit.
Understanding Moon Phases
The moon’s changing appearance is caused by its orbit around Earth and the shifting angles of sunlight. The entire cycle lasts approximately 29.5 days. Although we only ever see one side of the moon, the amount of illuminated surface varies, creating the eight distinct phases:
- New Moon: The moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun, rendering the visible side dark and invisible.
- Waxing Crescent: A small, growing sliver of light appears on the right side (in the Northern Hemisphere).
- First Quarter: Half of the moon is illuminated on the right side.
- Waxing Gibbous: More than half of the moon is lit, nearing fullness.
- Full Moon: The entire face of the moon is fully illuminated.
- Waning Gibbous: The moon begins to lose light on the right side.
- Third Quarter (Last Quarter): Half of the moon is illuminated on the left side.
- Waning Crescent: A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before disappearing into the New Moon phase.
The moon’s phases are not just a celestial phenomenon; they have influenced human cultures, agriculture, and even our perception of time for millennia.
The cyclical nature of the moon is a fundamental part of Earth’s environment, and understanding these phases provides insight into our planet’s relationship with its natural satellite.
