The moon is making its return to the night sky! If you glanced upwards last night and thought something was missing, you were right. Following the new moon, the lunar cycle has officially begun its journey back to fullness, meaning the moon is gradually getting brighter each night.

While it might be barely perceptible tonight, September 22nd marks the first day of this new lunar cycle. Don't expect a dazzling display just yet; the sliver of a crescent will be incredibly faint, a whisper of light in the darkness. But rest assured, it's there, marking the beginning of a beautiful celestial transformation.

The lunar cycle, as the description highlights, consists of eight distinct phases, each with its own unique appearance. These phases are determined by the relative positions of the sun, Earth, and moon. As the moon orbits our planet, the amount of sunlight reflected towards us changes, creating the familiar sequence from new moon to full moon and back again.

Over the next two weeks, keep an eye on the evening sky. You'll witness the moon steadily grow from that fragile crescent into a more prominent presence. Each night, a little more of its surface will be illuminated, offering a captivating view and a reminder of the constant celestial dance above us. This gradual increase in brightness will continue until the arrival of the next full moon, a spectacle that promises to be a welcome sight after the darkness of the new moon. So, get ready to watch as the moon reclaims its place in the night sky, one night at a time.