Moon phase today explained: What the Moon will look like on March 23, 2026

If the Moon looks different tonight than it did yesterday, it is because it is going through the lunar cycle. As the Sun orbits the Earth, it illuminates different parts of its surface, which is why its shape appears to change from night to night.

The full cycle lasts approximately 29.5 days and includes eight unique phases. Keep reading to find out where the Moon is in this cycle today.

What is the phase of the Moon today?

Since Monday, March 23, the phase of the Moon is the waxing crescent. According to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide, 23% of the Moon will be illuminated tonight.

Tonight’s Moon sighting is similar to previous nights, with only a small portion of the Moon illuminated. With the naked eye, you can spot Mare Fecunditatis and Mare Crisium, as well as Edymion Crater, with the addition of binoculars or a telescope.

When will the next Full Moon take place?

In North America, the next Full Moon is expected to occur on April 1st.

What are the phases of the Moon?

NASA says the Moon takes about 29.5 days to orbit Earth, going through eight different phases. We always see the same side, but the Sun illuminates different parts as it moves, which is why it can appear full, half, or just a thin sliver. These changing shapes are called lunar phases, and there are eight in total:

New Moon – The Moon sits between the Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it’s invisible to the naked eye).

Waxed Crescent – ​​A small burst of light appears on the right side (northern hemisphere).

First Quarter – Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half moon.

Waxing Gibbous – More than half is lit, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon – The entire face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Gibbous Decline – The Moon begins to lose light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) – Another half Moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent – ​​A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before turning dark again.