Moon phase today explained: What the Moon will look like on May 24, 2026

The Moon is a little brighter tonight, with just over half of its surface illuminated as it continues to move through the lunar cycle.

What is the phase of the Moon today?

Since Sunday May 24, the phase of the Moon has been waxing gibbous. Tonight, 59% of the Moon will be illuminated, according to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide.

You don’t need visual aids to look at the Moon. In fact, when you look up you will be able to spot the Mares Crisium, Tranquillitatis and Fecunditatis. If you have binoculars, you will also be able to see the Endymion crater, the Apennine mountains and Mare Nectaris. Finally, with a telescope you will see the Apollo 16 landing site, the Linne crater and the Rupes Altai.

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 approximately 29.5 days to completely orbit Earth, going through eight phases during this time. While the same side of the Moon always faces Earth, the way sunlight hits its surface changes throughout its orbit, creating the familiar full, half-crescent, and crescent appearances we see in the night sky. In total, the lunar cycle consists 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.