Moon phase November 3, 2025: Waxing Gibbous at 94% illumination

The moon phase on November 3, 2025, is Waxing Gibbous. NASA's Daily Moon Observation reports 94 per cent of the moon's surface will be illuminated. Observable features on the moon's surface vary by viewing equipment. Without visual aids, viewers can identify Tycho Crater, Mare Fecunditatis, and Oceanus Procellarum. Binocular users have increased visibility of Gassendi Crater, Archimedes Crater, and Mare Frigoris. Telescope observations reveal additional features including Rima Ariadaeus, Apollo 15 and 16 landing sites, and Fra Mauro Highlands.

The full moon occurs on November 5, 2025, two days after the current Waxing Gibbous phase. NASA explains the moon completes phases during its 29.5-day orbit around Earth. Phase changes result from varying angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Sunlight reflects off different portions of the lunar surface depending on orbital position, creating the lunar cycle pattern.

The lunar cycle consists of eight distinct moon phases:


New Moon - The moon positions between Earth and the sun, rendering the visible side dark and invisible.

Waxing Crescent - A narrow illuminated sliver appears on the right side in the Northern Hemisphere.

First Quarter - Half the moon's surface shows illumination on the right side, creating a half-moon appearance.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half the lunar surface displays illumination without reaching full brightness.

Full Moon - Complete illumination covers the entire visible face of the moon.

Waning Gibbous - Illumination decreases from the right side in the Northern Hemisphere.

Also read: Leonid meteor shower 2025: peak viewing times and what to expect this November

Third Quarter - Half-moon illumination appears on the left side.

Waning Crescent - A thin illuminated sliver remains on the left side before the cycle resets.