Tonight, November 20, 2025, the moon is invisible. This is because it’s a New Moon, meaning the side facing Earth is in complete shadow.
Understanding the Lunar Cycle
The moon goes through a predictable cycle of phases that repeats roughly every 29.5 days. These phases are simply different amounts of sunlight hitting the moon’s surface as it orbits Earth. The same side of the moon always faces us, but how much of that side is lit up changes throughout the month.
What to Expect in the Coming Weeks
After the New Moon, the moon will gradually grow brighter each night. Here’s a breakdown of the key phases:
- Waxing Crescent: A small sliver of light appears on the right side (in the Northern Hemisphere).
- First Quarter: Half of the moon is illuminated on the right.
- Waxing Gibbous: More than half of the moon is lit, approaching fullness.
- Full Moon: The entire face of the moon is bright and fully visible. The next full moon will be on December 4th, and it will be a supermoon – appearing larger and brighter than usual. This will be the third consecutive supermoon.
Phases After Full Moon
Once the moon reaches its fullest phase, it starts to shrink again:
- Waning Gibbous: The right side begins to darken.
- Third Quarter (Last Quarter): Half of the moon is lit on the left side.
- Waning Crescent: A thin sliver of light remains on the left before disappearing into the next New Moon.
The moon’s phases are not just a beautiful spectacle – they influence tides, animal behavior, and even some cultural traditions. Understanding them provides insight into our planet’s natural rhythms.
The moon will return to visibility within days, continuing its cycle of illumination and shadow. For now, enjoy the clear, dark night sky.
