Moon phase today explained: What the Moon will look like on March 2, 2026
The Full Moon is only a day away, so it’s no surprise that it’s big and bright in the sky tonight. There’s plenty to see, with or without visual aids, so keep reading to find out what exactly you can spot.
What is the phase of the Moon today?
Since Monday, March 2, the phase of the Moon has been waxing gibbous. According to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide, 98% of the Moon will be illuminated tonight.
With the naked eye, you will be able to see the Mares Vaporum and Crisium this evening, as well as the Aristarchus Plateau. If you have binoculars, you should also see Endymion Crater, Grimaldi Basin and Archimedes Crater. For those with a telescope, including the Apollo 16 landing site, Rima Hyginus and the Caucasus Mountains.
When will the next Full Moon occur?
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, what we call the lunar cycle. 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).
Crushable speed of light
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.
