Moon phase today explained: What the Moon will look like on March 27, 2026
Can you see anything on the surface of the Moon tonight? It’s more than half lit, so if the sky is clear your chances are pretty good. Keep reading to find out exactly what you can see tonight.
What is the phase of the Moon today?
Since Friday March 27, the phase of the Moon has been waxing gibbous. According to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide, 67% of the Moon will be illuminated tonight.
This evening, without visual aid, you will be able to see the mares Fecunditatis, Crisum and Vaporum. With binoculars you can also see the Posidonius crater, the Alps mountains and the Apennines.
If you’re lucky enough to have a telescope stored away, take it out so you can see even more, including the Rima Ariadaeus, the Descartes Highlands and the Caucasus Mountains.
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?
According to NASA, the Moon completes one orbit around Earth in approximately 29.5 days, passing through eight distinct phases. While the same side of the Moon always faces us, sunlight illuminates different parts as it moves, making it appear as a full, half, or narrow crescent. These changing appearances are known as lunar phases, and there are eight in total:
Crushable speed of light
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.
