Bold opening: The Moon’s phase today isn’t just dimming—it’s a stepping stone toward darkness before the New Moon, and understanding it unlocks a clearer view of the night sky. But here’s where it gets controversial: some observers argue that even a near-dark Moon can change how we notice other celestial details. Let’s explore what this means for tonight.
What is today’s moon phase?
As of Friday, December 12, 2025, the Moon is in a Waning Crescent phase. In practical terms, about 43% of the Moon’s surface is illuminated this evening, according to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation.
Even without visuals, you can still spot familiar features in the Moon’s visible face. Look up and you’ll be able to discern Mare Imbrium, Aristarchus Plateau, and Copernicus Crater. If you have binoculars, the Grimaldi Basin, Clavius Crater, and Archimedes Crater begin to reveal themselves. With a telescope, you’ll gain glimpses of Reiner Gamma, Schiller Crater, and the Apollo 14 landing site.
Related questions you might find useful
When is the next full Moon? The upcoming full Moon occurs on January 3.
What are Moon phases? NASA describes a roughly 29.5-day cycle during which the Sunlit portion of the Moon as seen from Earth changes, even though we always see the same lunar face. The eight main phases are:
- New Moon — The Moon sits between Earth and the Sun, and the side facing us is dark.
- Waxing Crescent — A slender crescent appears on the right (in the Northern Hemisphere).
- First Quarter — Half of the Moon’s disk is lit on the right side.
- Waxing Gibbous — More than half is lit, but not yet full.
- Full Moon — The entire face is bright and fully visible.
- Waning Gibbous — The Moon begins to dim from the right side.
- Third Quarter (Last Quarter) — Another half-moon, now lit on the left.
- Waning Crescent — Only a thin sliver remains on the left before darkness returns.
If you’d like more detail on how these phases form or tips for observing specific features, I can tailor a viewing plan for your location and equipment.
