Ever wondered why the moon looks almost full but not quite? Tonight, on October 5, 2025, the moon is putting on a dazzling show—but it’s not quite a full moon yet. While it might appear nearly complete, only 96% of its surface is illuminated, leaving us just a few days away from the real spectacle. But here’s where it gets fascinating: even in this Waxing Gibbous phase, the moon is revealing some of its most stunning features. Let’s dive into what makes tonight’s sky so special—and why it’s worth stepping outside to take a look.
What’s happening tonight? As of Sunday, October 5, the moon is in its Waxing Gibbous phase, meaning it’s growing brighter each night as it approaches the full moon on October 7. According to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation, 96% of the moon’s surface is bathed in sunlight, making it a perfect time to observe some of its most iconic landmarks. Even without any tools, you can spot the Copernicus Crater, the Aristarchus Plateau, and the serene Mare Tranquillitatis. Grab a pair of binoculars, and you’ll uncover the Apennine Mountains, the Mare Frigoris, and the Endymion Crater. For telescope enthusiasts, the Apollo 16 and 17 landing sites and the Rima Ariadaeus are waiting to be explored. It’s like a celestial treasure hunt—no map required!
But here’s where it gets controversial: While most of us are familiar with the full moon, the Waxing Gibbous phase often gets overlooked. Is it because it’s not quite complete, or do we simply not appreciate the beauty of something still in progress? Let us know in the comments—do you find tonight’s moon just as captivating as the full moon?
Understanding moon phases: A beginner’s guide
The moon’s phases are a result of its 29.5-day orbit around Earth, with the Sun illuminating different portions of its surface as it moves. From our perspective, the moon appears to change shape, but we always see the same side. Here’s a quick breakdown of the eight main phases:
- New Moon: The moon is between Earth and the Sun, making it invisible to us.
- Waxing Crescent: A tiny sliver of light appears on the right side (in the Northern Hemisphere).
- First Quarter: Half of the moon is lit on the right, forming a perfect half-circle.
- Waxing Gibbous: More than half is illuminated, but it’s not yet full—tonight’s star of the show!
- Full Moon: The entire face of the moon is lit up, creating a breathtaking sight.
- Waning Gibbous: The moon begins to lose light on the right side.
- Last Quarter: Another half-moon, but now the left side is illuminated.
- Waning Crescent: A thin sliver of light remains on the left before the cycle starts again.
And this is the part most people miss: The moon’s phases aren’t just random—they’re a predictable dance of light and shadow, a reminder of the cosmic ballet happening above us every day. So, whether you’re gazing at tonight’s Waxing Gibbous moon or planning for the full moon on October 7, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the universe’s most consistent performer. What’s your favorite moon phase, and why? Share your thoughts below—let’s keep the conversation glowing!
