Waxing Gibbous Moon Reaches 88% Illumination; Occults Pluto Early Morning

Today, September 4, 2025, skywatchers were treated to a bright waxing gibbous Moon, with 88% of its surface illuminated. Rising shortly after sunset in the eastern sky, the lunar disk hovered against the backdrop of Aquarius, offering observers an excellent view of familiar landmarks such as Mare Imbrium, Mare Serenitatis, and the prominent Tycho crater.

In the early pre-dawn hours, the Moon performed a rare lunar occultation of Pluto, temporarily obscuring the distant dwarf planet of magnitude 14.4 from view. This event, visible to observers across longitudes from 20° E to 90° E, provided a unique opportunity for astronomers to time the disappearance and reappearance of Pluto’s faint light as it passed behind the lunar limb.

Looking ahead, the Moon will continue to wax toward its next major phase. On September 7, 2025, it will reach fullness as the “Corn Moon”, preceding a total lunar eclipse that will bathe the lunar surface in a deep red glow during totality.