What Is the Moon Phase Today? Your Complete 2025 Guide to Lunar Phases
What Is the Moon Phase Today? Your Complete 2025 Guide to Lunar Phases
Discover tonight’s moon phase, explore the entire 2025 moon phase calendar, and learn fascinating facts about how the moon’s cycle affects tides, skywatching, and your own observations.
The moon has enchanted humanity for thousands of years. From ancient calendars to modern astrophotography, the lunar phases have helped people mark the passage of time and understand Earth’s natural rhythms. Whether you’re a beginner learning how to observe the moon, an astrophotographer capturing stunning moon images, or simply curious about tonight’s phase, this detailed guide will help you follow the lunar cycle throughout 2025.
๐ What Is the Moon Phase Today?
Today is July 7, 2025, and the moon is 12 days old, currently in the Waxing Gibbous phase. Tonight, about 90% of the moon’s face is illuminated. This bright, almost-full shape is a spectacular sight if you look up after sunset.
A Waxing Gibbous moon appears when the moon is growing toward fullness, but not quite fully illuminated yet. It follows the First Quarter and precedes the Full Moon phase.
๐ July 2025 Moon Phases and Important Dates
July has four primary moon phase milestones:
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First Quarter – July 2
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Full Moon – July 10
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Third (Last) Quarter – July 17
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New Moon – July 24
Each phase brings unique opportunities for skywatching and photography. For example, the Full Moon on July 10, 2025, will be the Full Buck Moon, named after the time of year when deer antlers grow fastest.
๐ Understanding the Moon’s Phases
The moon doesn’t generate its own light; it reflects sunlight. As the moon orbits Earth, the angle between the sun, the moon, and Earth constantly changes. That’s why the moon appears to grow and shrink in the sky.
The moon’s cycle repeats approximately every 29.5 days. Here are the eight primary phases of the lunar cycle:
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New Moon
The moon is between Earth and the sun. The side facing us receives no direct sunlight, so the moon appears almost invisible. -
Waxing Crescent
A slim crescent of light grows larger each night after the New Moon. -
First Quarter
Half of the moon’s face is illuminated. The First Quarter occurs about a week after the New Moon. -
Waxing Gibbous
The illuminated portion continues growing beyond 50%. -
Full Moon
The entire face is bright. From Earth, the moon appears fully illuminated. -
Waning Gibbous
After the Full Moon, the light starts to decrease. -
Last (Third) Quarter
Again, half the face is visible, but the opposite side compared to the First Quarter. -
Waning Crescent
The visible light shrinks to a slim crescent before disappearing into a New Moon.
๐ What Is the Next Moon Phase in July 2025?
The next major milestone will be the Full Moon on July 10. This is when the moon reaches its brightest phase, reflecting the maximum amount of sunlight toward Earth.
Quick facts about Full Moons:
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They rise near sunset and set near sunrise.
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They appear full for about three days to the casual observer.
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The July Full Moon is called the Full Buck Moon in North America.
๐ Complete Moon Phase Calendar for 2025
Below are the 2025 moon phases (Eastern Time):
| Month | New Moon | First Quarter | Full Moon | Last Quarter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Jan. 6, 6:56 PM | Jan. 13, 5:27 PM | Jan. 21, 5:31 PM | Jan. 29, 7:36 AM |
| February | Feb. 5, 3:02 AM | Feb. 12, 8:53 AM | Feb. 20, 12:32 PM | Feb. 27, 7:45 PM |
| March | March 6, 11:32 AM | March 14, 2:55 AM | March 22, 7:29 AM | March 29, 6:58 AM |
| April | April 4, 10:14 PM | April 12, 8:22 PM | April 20, 9:35 PM | April 27, 3:31 PM |
| May | May 4, 9:52 AM | May 12, 12:56 PM | May 20, 7:56 AM | May 26, 11:02 PM |
| June | June 2, 11:41 PM | June 11, 3:44 AM | June 18, 3:19 PM | June 25, 6:31 AM |
| July | July 2, 3:30 PM | July 10, 4:37 PM | July 17, 8:38 PM | July 24, 3:11 PM |
| August | Aug. 1, 8:41 AM | Aug. 9, 3:55 AM | Aug. 16, 1:12 AM | Aug. 23, 2:06 AM |
| September | Aug. 31, 2:25 AM | Sept. 7, 2:09 PM | Sept. 14, 6:33 AM | Sept. 21, 3:54 PM |
| October | Sept. 29, 7:54 PM | Oct. 6, 11:48 PM | Oct. 13, 2:13 PM | Oct. 21, 8:25 AM |
| November | Nov. 5, 8:19 AM | Nov. 12, 12:28 AM | Nov. 20, 1:47 AM | Nov. 28, 1:59 AM |
| December | Dec. 4, 6:14 PM | Dec. 11, 3:52 PM | Dec. 19, 8:43 PM | Dec. 27, 2:10 PM |
Keep this calendar handy for planning stargazing nights, lunar photography, or just for curiosity.
๐ How Moon Phases Affect Tides and Moonrise Times
The moon’s gravity pulls on Earth’s oceans, causing the tides to rise and fall. The sun also influences tides, but the moon is the main driver.
Key points about moon phases and tides:
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New Moon and Full Moon: Tides are strongest (spring tides).
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First and Last Quarter: Tides are weakest (neap tides).
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Moonrise shifts about 50 minutes later each day as the moon moves eastward.
๐ญ Tips for Observing and Photographing the Moon
Essential equipment:
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A telescope (Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ is recommended)
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A DSLR or mirrorless camera
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A sturdy tripod
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A smartphone adapter for casual astrophotography
Photography guides:
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How to photograph the full moon
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Best settings for moon photography
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Capturing lunar eclipses with a camera
๐ Common Moon Phase Questions Answered
Q: Why does the moon look different every night?
A: Because it orbits Earth and reflects sunlight at changing angles.
Q: What is the difference between a Full Moon and a New Moon?
A: Full Moon = 100% illuminated face. New Moon = 0% illumination.
Q: Do the moon’s phases repeat regularly?
A: Yes, every ~29.5 days.
Q: Can I predict the tides based on moon phases?
A: Absolutely—spring tides during New/Full Moon, neap tides during Quarter phases.
Open Your Mind !!!
Source: Space
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