Tonight’s moon is in a Waxing Gibbous phase, meaning it’s more than half illuminated but not yet full. Visible for much of the night, it sets a few hours before sunrise. This phase lasts approximately seven days, with the moon growing brighter each night until it reaches the Full Moon.
What Does a Waxing Gibbous Moon Mean?
A Waxing Gibbous moon rises in the east during the mid-afternoon and can be seen high in the eastern sky as the sun sets. The term “Gibbous,” originating in the 14th century from the Latin word “gibbosus,” describes the moon’s humpbacked appearance during this phase. Today, March 10th, the Waxing Gibbous moon is 86% illuminated, a measurement of how much of the moon’s surface is lit by the sun. This illumination changes constantly, varying by as much as 10% per day. The moon is currently 11.17 days old, counting from the last New Moon. A complete lunar cycle, encompassing all eight moon phases, takes 29.53 days, reflecting the time it takes the moon to orbit the Earth.
Moon in Leo
Currently, the moon resides in the zodiac sign of Leo, positioned at 15.05° within the constellation. The moon’s position within the zodiac influences astrological interpretations. Each zodiac sign hosts the moon for approximately 2 to 2.5 days.
Understanding the 8 Moon Phases
The moon cycles through eight distinct phases during its 29.53-day journey around the Earth. The four primary phases are the Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter, and Last Quarter. These are interspersed with four minor phases: Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous, and Waning Crescent. Each phase represents a different portion of the moon illuminated by the sun as viewed from Earth.
Learn More About Moon Phases
For a deeper dive into the intricacies of the lunar cycle and each of its phases, consult resources like the March 2025 Moon Phases Calendar and the Wikipedia page on Lunar Phases. These resources offer detailed explanations and visual aids to enhance your understanding of the moon’s fascinating journey.
