Moon Phase Today: December 31, 2025 – Waxing Gibbous Near Full

As 2025 draws to a close, the Moon offers us a striking celestial spectacle. On December 31, the Moon is in its Waxing Gibbous phase, glowing brightly in the night sky with approximately 88–92% illumination (NASA Daily Moon Observation, Sea Mashable, Astronomy.com). This phase falls just short of a Full Moon, meaning most of the lunar disk is visible, but the edge still holds a hint of shadow.

The Waxing Gibbous phase occurs between the First Quarter and the Full Moon. During this time, the Moon’s sunlit portion steadily grows, making each night a little brighter than the last. The next Full Moon, known as the Wolf Moon, is set to arrive on January 3, 2026, at 5:30 a.m. EST. This particular Full Moon will also be a Super Moon—meaning it coincides with the Moon’s closest approach to Earth in its orbit, making it appear larger and more luminous than usual (Astronomy.com).

Tonight, the Moon rises in the afternoon at 1:47 p.m. and sets in the early morning at 4:28 a.m., local time (for 40° N 90° W). Skywatchers who look up will see a nearly complete lunar disk shining high in the evening, perfect for naked-eye observation or, for those with binoculars and telescopes, a closer look at lunar features.

With the naked eye, you can spot prominent lunar seas such as Mares Fecunditatis, Serenitatis, and Vaporum. Binoculars reveal more detail, like the Endymion and Clavius craters, Mare Nectaris, and the lunar Alps. Telescopic views can take you to historic Apollo landing sites and the sinuous Rima Hyginus (Sea Mashable).

For those interested in astronomy, tonight is also notable for a planetary event: Jupiter, shining at magnitude –2.7, dominates the eastern sky in Gemini. Around 8 p.m. local time, Europa—one of Jupiter’s icy moons—casts its shadow across Jupiter’s cloud tops, a treat for telescope users (Astronomy.com).

But let’s focus on the Moon. The Waxing Gibbous phase is more than just a visual treat. It’s a powerful period in the lunar cycle, often associated with refinement and preparation. The Moon is currently in the zodiac sign Taurus, which astrologers say brings a desire for stability and comfort. Symbolically, the waxing gibbous is a time to fine-tune your plans, revisit your goals, and align with your core values (Vice). While the scientific implications of lunar phases are well understood, cultural traditions have long imbued each phase—and each Full Moon—with meaning.

Every Full Moon of the year carries a traditional name, often rooted in indigenous and colonial American customs. January’s Full Moon is the Wolf Moon, named for the haunting cries of wolves in midwinter. Other names include the Snow Moon (February), Worm Moon (March), Pink Moon (April), and so on, each marking a seasonal or natural milestone (Astronomy.com).

For those curious about the mechanics, the Moon’s phases arise from its orbit around Earth. As the Moon circles our planet, sunlight strikes its surface at varying angles, creating the familiar cycle: New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent. A complete lunar cycle, or synodic month, lasts about 29.5 days.

During the Full Moon and New Moon, the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun align, producing “spring tides”—the highest and lowest tides of the month. These tides can influence coastal environments and human activities in subtle but significant ways.

As for the lunar phase tonight, the Waxing Gibbous is a favorite among skywatchers. The Moon is bright enough to reveal fine details, but not so full that shadows disappear entirely. If the sky is clear, take a moment to gaze upward. You’ll see the lunar seas—vast, dark plains formed by ancient volcanic activity—and rugged highlands marked by craters and mountains. With binoculars or a telescope, you can spot the lunar Alps, the Endymion Crater, and perhaps even the locations where Apollo astronauts once walked.

Looking ahead, the Moon will reach Full phase in just three days. The Wolf Moon will shine in the constellation Gemini, close to the bright planet Jupiter, offering an inspiring start to the new year for astronomers and casual observers alike. After the Full Moon, the lunar cycle will shift to the Waning Gibbous, as the Moon begins to lose its brilliance night by night.

For those tracking lunar cycles, here are key upcoming dates:
– Full Moon: January 3, 2026 (Wolf Moon, Super Moon)
– Last Full Moon: December 4, 2025 (Cold Moon, Super Moon)
– Next Last Quarter: January 10, 2026
– New Moon: January 29, 2026

In summary, tonight’s Waxing Gibbous Moon is a beautiful prelude to the coming Full Moon. Whether you’re seeking scientific insight, astrological guidance, or simply a moment of wonder, the Moon’s cycle connects us all to the rhythms of nature and the passage of time.

Tonight’s lunar phase reminds us that even near completion, there’s beauty in progress. The Waxing Gibbous Moon offers a luminous symbol of anticipation—its almost-full face reflecting both the culmination of the lunar cycle and the promise of new beginnings as the year turns. The Moon, as always, invites us to look up, reflect, and remember our place in the universe. (Sources: Astronomy.com, Vice, Sea Mashable, AOL)