Moon phase today explained: What the Moon will look like on April 1, 2026
It’s a Full Moon in some parts of the world tonight, and depending on where you are, it will be visible either after sunset or in the early hours of the next morning. In all North American time zones, it will appear on April 1.
Keep reading to see how much of this is visible tonight.
What is the phase of the Moon today?
Since Wednesday, April 1, the phase of the Moon is Full Moon. This means that 100% of its surface will be illuminated tonight (according to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide).
This evening, without visual aid, you will be able to see the Kepler crater, Mare Vaporum and Mare Serenitatis. With binoculars you can also see Mare Nectaris, Alphonsus Crater and Endymion Crater. With a telescope you can also see the landing sites of Apollo 11, 14 and 15.
When will the next Full Moon take place?
The next Full Moon is expected to occur on May 1, the first of two full moons in May.
What are the phases of the Moon?
According to NASA, the Moon takes approximately 29.5 days to circle Earth, passing through eight unique phases along the way. Although we always see the same side from Earth, different parts of its surface are illuminated by the Sun as it orbits, making it appear fully lit, partially lit, or as a thin crescent. These changing views are called lunar phases, and there are eight in all:
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.
