Moon Phases 2025: Your Complete Guide to the Lunar Cycle and Skywatching Moments
Whether you’re a skywatching enthusiast, astrophotographer, or just someone who loves looking up, keeping track of the moon’s phases can make your nights even more magical. In 2025, the moon will continue its familiar 29.5-day dance around Earth, cycling through all eight lunar phases — from new moon to full moon and back again.
Here’s what you need to know to stay in sync with the moon in 2025.
Today’s Moon Phase – April 18, 2025
As of today, the moon is 20 days old and in its Waning Gibbous phase — roughly 75% illuminated. It’s on its way to the next major milestone: the last quarter, set for April 20 at 9:35 p.m. EDT.
April’s Moon Phases:
- First Quarter – April 4
- Full Moon (Pink Moon) – April 12
- Last Quarter – April 20
- New Moon – April 27
These events mark four key points in the moon’s monthly journey, visible from nearly every corner of the globe.
How Moon Phases Work
The moon doesn’t glow on its own — it reflects sunlight. As it orbits Earth, different portions of its sunlit side become visible from our perspective, creating distinct phases:
- New Moon: Completely dark from Earth’s view.
- Waxing Crescent: A sliver begins to glow.
- First Quarter: Half of the moon is visible.
- Waxing Gibbous: More than half, but not quite full.
- Full Moon: The moon’s face is fully illuminated.
- Waning Gibbous: The light begins to shrink.
- Last Quarter: Half of the moon, opposite side lit.
- Waning Crescent: A thin crescent remains.
This cycle repeats roughly every 29.5 days — what astronomers call a lunation.
Moon Phases and Tides: What’s the Connection?
According to Italian astronomer Giuseppe Donatiello, tides are largely influenced by the moon’s gravitational pull. During New Moons and Full Moons, the sun and moon align to create spring tides, which have the highest tidal ranges. At First and Last Quarters, the moon and sun’s gravitational forces counteract each other, producing neap tides, which are milder.
Why the Moon Appears Different Each Night
Each evening, the moon rises about 50 minutes later than the night before. This delay means you’ll see the moon in different sky positions, depending on its phase. The Full Moon rises at sunset, while the New Moon is hidden during the day.
Stargazing Tip: Best Time to Observe the Moon
For ideal detail, observe during the waxing crescent or waning gibbous phases. The shadows cast by craters and ridges are more dramatic, giving your telescope (or camera) something exciting to capture.
Need equipment? Consider the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ, perfect for beginners chasing lunar sights.
More Resources for Moon Watchers
- NASA’s SkyCal: Your go-to calendar for moon phases and eclipses.
- Astrophotography Guides: Learn how to shoot the moon and capture lunar eclipses.
- Night Sky Tonight: Stay updated on what’s visible after dark.
Moon Facts from an Expert
“The moon’s phases have shaped calendars and cultures for centuries,” Donatiello explains. “Its predictable patterns help us understand both our planet and the cosmos.”
From creating ocean tides to inspiring ancient mythologies, the moon has always played a vital role in human curiosity and science.
Conclusion:
With this guide, you can follow the moon’s journey all year long. Whether you’re capturing lunar beauty through a telescope or planning a moonlit date, knowing the phases helps you make the most of every glowing night sky.
