Moon phase today explained: What the Moon will look like on April 26, 2026

We are now in the Waxing Gibbous phase of the lunar cycle. This means that most of the Moon’s face is illuminated at this point, making it especially bright in the night sky. Read on to see what details you can spot tonight.

What is the phase of the Moon today?

Since Sunday April 26, the phase of the Moon has been waxing gibbous. Tonight, 73% of the Moon will be illuminated, according to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide.

If you look at the Moon with the naked eye, you should be able to see Mare Crisium, Copernicus Crater, and Tycho Crater. If you have binoculars, Mare Frigoris, Posidonius Crater and the Apennines should also be visible. And finally, with a telescope you will see all of this as well as the Apollo 17 landing spot, Rupes Altai and Rupes Recta.

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?

NASA says the Moon completes one complete orbit around Earth in about 29.5 days, during which it passes through eight stages. Although the same side of the Moon always faces us, the part illuminated by the Sun shifts as it travels, producing the familiar cycle of full, half-wax, and crescent shapes. These variations 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.