Moon phase today explained: What the Moon will look like on February 27, 2026

The Moon looks big and bright in the sky tonight, and we are not far from the Full Moon. With much of its surface lit up, you’ll have plenty to spot tonight, so keep reading to find out what you can see.

What is the phase of the Moon today?

Since Friday February 27, the phase of the Moon has been waxing gibbous. According to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide, 80% of the Moon will be illuminated tonight.

There’s a lot of Moon on display tonight, so plenty of opportunities to observe it. With the naked eye, you can see the Mares Tranquillitatis, Vaporum and Serenitatis. With binoculars you will also be able to see the Mare Nectaris, the Alphonsus and Endymion craters, and with a telescope you will also see the landing sites of Apollo 16 and 11 and the Rupes Altai.

When will the next Full Moon take place?

The next Full Moon will be on March 3. The last Full Moon will take place on February 1st.

What are the phases of the Moon?

According to NASA, the Moon takes approximately 29.5 days to orbit the Earth. During this period, it goes through eight recognizable phases. Although the same side of the Moon always faces us, the amount of its surface illuminated by the Sun changes as it continues its path. Changes in sunlight create the different appearances we see from Earth, ranging from a fully lit Moon to a thin sliver or near darkness. The eight phases are:

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.