The moon will appear as a Waning Crescent on November 16, 2025, with approximately 12% of its surface illuminated. This means that while not prominently visible, the moon is still present in the night sky, appearing as a thin sliver. Understanding this phase is about more than just knowing what you’ll see; it’s about recognizing the predictable rhythm of the lunar cycle and how it affects our perception of the night sky.
Understanding the Waning Crescent Phase
The Waning Crescent is the final stage before the New Moon, when the moon becomes completely dark to the naked eye. This phase follows the Third Quarter and marks a period of diminishing illumination. It’s a subtle phase, often overlooked, but it’s a crucial part of the 29.5-day lunar cycle.
For observers in the Northern Hemisphere, the lit portion of the moon will appear on the left side. With clear skies and minimal light pollution, some surface features can be observed with basic equipment.
What You Can See Tonight
While the Waning Crescent isn’t as bright as other phases, certain features are still visible:
- Aristarchus Plateau: A prominent 25-mile diameter crater, known for its bright, reflective surface.
- Grimaldi Basin: A dark, flat area best viewed with binoculars.
- Reiner Gamma: A mysterious, radar-bright feature visible through a telescope.
The Full Lunar Cycle Explained
The moon’s phases aren’t random; they follow a predictable pattern determined by its orbit around Earth. The cycle begins with the New Moon, where the moon is between Earth and the Sun, making it invisible to the naked eye. From there, the moon waxes (grows) through the Crescent, First Quarter, and Gibbous phases until it reaches the Full Moon, where the entire face is illuminated. After the Full Moon, the moon wanes (shrinks) through the Gibbous, Third Quarter, and Crescent phases before returning to the New Moon.
Here’s a breakdown of each phase:
- New Moon: Invisible, as the lit side faces away from Earth.
- Waxing Crescent: A thin sliver of light appears on the right side (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, but not fully round.
- Full Moon: The entire face of the moon is brightly lit.
- Waning Gibbous: The moon begins to lose light on the right side.
- 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 disappearing.
When to Expect the Next Full Moon
The next Full Moon will occur on December 4, 2025. This phase provides the brightest and most visible view of the moon, making it ideal for observation.
Understanding the lunar cycle allows you to anticipate these phases and plan your observations accordingly. Whether you’re an avid astronomer or simply enjoy looking up at the night sky, knowing what to expect can enhance your experience
