Moon Dims to Waning Crescent, Illumination Falls to 6%

Lead Today, September 19, 2025, the Moon enters its waning crescent phase with roughly 6 percent illumination as it nears the end of its 29.5-day cycle and becomes visible before dawn.

Nut Graf This slender crescent marks the final stage before the New Moon, signaling minimal lunar light for evening skywatchers and setting the stage for the solar eclipse just two days away.

Moon Phase Details

• Phase: Waning Crescent
• Illumination: 6.53 percent
• Age: 27.01 days
• Next phase (New Moon): September 21, 2025

Best Viewing The thin crescent rises about two hours before sunrise and hangs low in the eastern sky. Observers should look toward the pre-dawn horizon for the best sighting.

Significance This phase offers opportunities to trace lunar surface features-craters and highlands cast long shadows along the terminator. With minimal moonlight, faint deep-sky objects also become more accessible in the early morning hours.

Outlook

• September 21: New Moon - prime time for solar eclipse enthusiasts.
• September 29: First Quarter - returning to half-Moon visibility.
• October 6: Full “Harvest” Moon - peak autumn brightness.