Tonight, February 16, 2025, the moon graces the night sky in its Waning Gibbous phase. This lunar phase is visible during the early morning hours, appearing on the western horizon as dawn approaches. Following the Full Moon, the Waning Gibbous marks the initial stage of the moon’s journey towards the Last Quarter. This phase spans approximately seven days, characterized by a gradual decrease in lunar illumination each night. Ultimately, it culminates in the Last Quarter Moon, when precisely 50% of the moon is illuminated. During the Waning Gibbous phase, moonrise typically occurs between 9 pm and midnight, adjusting slightly depending on the phase’s progression. As the days advance, the moon rises later each night, becoming a fixture in the morning sky, setting after sunrise.
For a comprehensive view of the moon’s phases throughout February, you can consult the February 2025 Moon Phases Calendar.
Understanding the Waning Gibbous Phase on February 16
On this particular night, February 16, the Waning Gibbous moon boasts an illumination of 86%. This percentage signifies the portion of the lunar surface bathed in sunlight as observed from Earth. It’s important to note that lunar illumination is a dynamic measure, fluctuating by as much as 10% daily. Furthermore, on February 16, the moon is 18.35 days old. This “age” refers to the number of days elapsed since the most recent New Moon. The entire lunar cycle, encompassing all eight distinct moon phases, takes approximately 29.53 days for the Moon to complete its orbit around our planet.
The Moon in Libra: Zodiac Sign for Today
Currently, the Moon is traversing the zodiac sign of Libra, positioned at 8.14°. The Moon entered Libra on Loading… and is scheduled to move into Scorpio on Loading…. The zodiac moon sign reflects the Moon’s apparent location against the backdrop of the twelve zodiac constellations as viewed from Earth. The Moon spends roughly 2 to 2.5 days in each zodiac sign as it journeys across the celestial sphere.
Delving into the 8 Lunar Phases
The Moon progresses through a cycle of eight lunar phases during its 29.53-day synodic period. Among these, four are considered major phases: the Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter, and Last Quarter. Interspersed between these major phases are four minor phases: the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous, and Waning Crescent. For in-depth information about the complete Moon Cycle and each individual phase, the Wikipedia Lunar Phase page offers a wealth of knowledge.
