What Is Today’s Moon Phase?


If you’re planning on observing the night sky, going for a night hike, or trying to snap a shot of the Moon, the phase is incredibly important. Here’s everything you need to know about the current Lunar phase, as well as what you can expect in the near future.

What Is the Moon Phase on March 21st?

Today, the moon is 59% full, which puts it in the waning gibbous phase. It is 22 days old.

Because the Moon and the Earth aren’t stationary, the fullness of the Moon changes at a rate of about 1% every 3.5 hours on average.

What Is the Lunar Forecast?

In March, there was a total lunar eclipse on March 14th. On March 29th, there will be a partial solar eclipse visible to some of North America (the Northeast mostly), large parts of Europe, and small areas of South America, Asia, and Africa.

When Will the Next New Moon Be?

The next new moon will be on March 29th, 2025—only 8 days away.

This new moon will also cause a partial solar eclipse. Since the Moon will be very near perigee (only 222,808 miles) when the eclipse occurs, it would be a total solar eclipse rather than an annular solar eclipse if the entire Sun were covered.

When Will the Next Full Moon Be?

The next full moon will be on April 12th, 2025. The moon will be near apogee—some 252,400 miles—and will appear smaller in the sky than usual.

What About the Other Phases This Month?

Here is a more comprehensive look at the lunar phases for the month of March.

Phase

Date

First Quarter

3/4/2025

Full

3/14/2025

Third (Last) Quarter

3/22/2025

New

3/29/2025

What Causes the Moon’s Phases?

The phases of the moon occur because of how the Sun, the Moon, and the Earth are positioned with respect to each other.

On a full moon, the Sun, Earth, and Moon form a nearly straight line. The light from the Sun shines past the Earth, hits the moon, and is reflected directly back at us.

An illustration of the Earth between the Sun and the moon.
Tony Phillips/How-To Geek

As you might expect, a new Moon also occurs when the Earth, Moon, and Sun form a straight line, but the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun.

An illustration of the moon between the Earth and the Sun.
Tony Phillips/How-To Geek

On the other hand, a quarter moon occurs when the Earth, Moon, and Sun form a right triangle. Only half of the side of the Moon we usually see is illuminated.

An illustration showing the Moon forming a right triangle with the Sun and Earth.
Tony Phllips/Nick Lewis/How-To Geek


What Are the Moon’s Phases and Why Do They Matter?

The Moon’s phases affect humans and nature.

How Close Is the Moon Today?

Today, the moon is 247,373 miles (406,700 kilometers) away from the Earth. The orbit of the Moon isn’t perfectly circular and ranges from about 221,450 miles all the way out to 253,000 miles.

When Is the Best Time to Observe the Moon?

The full moon is iconic, but it probably isn’t the best time to observe the moon. A full moon is quite bright, and you’ll find it uncomfortable to look at through even a modest telescope without a lunar filter. Instead, look for something that is 3/4s full or less—it is easier on the eyes. Additionally, the shadow of the Moon can make some surface features (like craters!) much more interesting to look at.

A Celestron 114LCM computerized telescope.

Celestron 114LCM Computerized Telescope

$380 $440 Save
$60

With a 4.49 inch (114mm) aperture and a 39 inch (1000mm) focal length, the Celestron 114LCM provides a maximum magnification of 269x—plenty to view the planets, the moon, and some deep-sky objects. 

The mount is computerized, which makes finding and tracking objects of interest much easier. Once you calibrate it, you’re set! 

If you do have a telescope, a lunar filter is a must if you plan to look at the full moon.

Essential Lunar Terminology

There are a handful of terms that you’ll hear a lot when people discuss the Moon. Here is a list of the most important ones.

Term

Definition

Waxing

The illuminated part of the moon is increasing.

Waning

The illuminated part of the moon is decreasing.

Gibbous

The Moon’s phase is between a half moon and a new moon.

Crescent

The Moon’s phase is between a new moon and a half moon.

Apogee

The point when the Moon is closest to the Earth in its orbit.

Perigee

The point when the Moon is farthest from the Earth in its orbit.

Eccentricity

How round (low eccentricity) or oval (high eccentricity) an orbit is.

Eclipse

When one stellar body passes in front of another.

Mare

The dark areas of the Moon, which were once thought to be seas.



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