Moon phase on July 7, 2025: How tonight’s Moon will look

From planet Earth, some of the Moon's most notable sights will be visible to the unaided eye. Watch out for the Aristarchus Plateau, Mare Serenitatis, and Mare Tranquillitatis. These dark highlands and plains are simple to spot with the naked eye under clear conditions.

If you're using binoculars, you'll see more detail. Try to spot the Posidonius Crater, Clavius Crater, and Alphonsus Crater. With a telescope, even more features come into view, including the Apollo 17 landing site, Fra Mauro Highlands, and the rugged Caucasus Mountains.

When's the Next Full Moon?

The Moon will be at its fullest on July 10. The last full moon occurred on June 11, and like always, it marks the halfway point of the lunar cycle. These phases repeat about every 29.5 days as the Moon travels around Earth.

Why Does the Moon Change?

The periodic appearance change of the Moon is called the lunar cycle. The cycle occurs because the Moon revolves around Earth as both are illuminated by the Sun. Depending on how sunlight illuminates it, different parts of the Moon are visible from our perspective.

Though we always see the same side of the Moon, how much is illuminated changes constantly. This creates eight distinct moon phases, from New Moon to Full Moon, and back again through various crescent and gibbous stages.

Each phase offers its own celestial view and story, and tonight’s waxing gibbous moon is just one chapter in the cycle above us.

So if skies are clear, take a moment to step outside and look up. The moon is waiting.