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Moon Phase on July 3, 2025: Waxing Gibbous Lights Up the Evening Sky

Moon Phase on July 3, 2025: Waxing Gibbous Lights Up the Evening Sky

Waxing Gibbous: The Moon’s Growing Glow on July 3, 2025

If you’re a night sky watcher, you’ll want to look up on July 3, 2025. The Moon is slipping into its Waxing Gibbous phase, just a day after the First Quarter. At this point, you can expect about 56.3% to 57% of the Moon’s surface to be lit up, making it one of the brighter lunar phases before it goes full. The Moon is on its way to becoming 100% illuminated with the Full Moon set to show up on July 10.

What does this mean for your evening? The action starts around noon, when the Moon rises, and it doesn’t dip below the horizon until near midnight. So, if you glance up during dinner or while out for a nighttime stroll, you’ll spot the Moon riding high in the southern sky. The lighting during this phase is actually ideal for checking out lunar details. Shadows cast across craters and valleys give observers a crisp view, much better than the flat lighting of a Full Moon.

Lunar Geography and a Hint of Astrology

Lunar Geography and a Hint of Astrology

For those who wonder about the technical stuff, the Moon’s eastern limb (the side that appears to rise first from Earth’s perspective) will catch sunlight first while the western edge will be the last to set. Selenographers—folks who map the Moon—use a longitude system just like we use on Earth. East means increasing longitude on the Moon, west means it’s decreasing.

This particular Waxing Gibbous phase is also coming on the heels of a First Quarter Moon that landed in Libra. People who pay attention to astrology like to say that Libra brings a sense of balance and harmony. So, if you’re the type who likes to pair sky watching with a touch of cosmic meaning, you’re definitely in the right window for it.

In short, the Waxing Gibbous isn’t just a transition—it's a moment where the Moon is showing off its best features before hitting its peak brightness. Whether you’ve got a pair of binoculars, a telescope, or just want to see what’s going on with your own eyes, this phase makes for a great evening activity.