Moon phase today explained: What the Moon will look like on May 16, 2026

It’s a new lunar phase tonight, and the end of the current lunar cycle. Keep reading to find out what this means.

What is the phase of the Moon today?

Since Saturday May 16, the phase of the Moon is the New Moon. Tonight, 1% of the Moon will be illuminated, according to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide.

There is not enough light or visibility this evening to distinguish features on the surface of the Moon.

When will the next Full Moon take place?

There are two Full Moons in May, with the next one occurring on May 31st.

What are the phases of the Moon?

According to NASA, the Moon takes about 29.5 days to complete a complete orbit around Earth, going through eight distinct phases along the way. Although we always see the same side of the Moon, the changing angle of sunlight as it orbits creates the familiar full, half-crescent, and crescent shapes. In total, the lunar cycle is made up of eight main phases:

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.