The Moon is a celestial body because it reflects sunlight and influences Earth’s tides, which matters for sky gazers and astronomy enthusiasts.
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This guide covers key aspects of the Moon’s current phase, upcoming events, and a detailed explanation of lunar phases.
- Current Moon Phase
- Next Full Moon Date
- Understanding Moon Phases
- Visible Features on the Moon
What is today’s Moon phase?
As of March 22, 2026, the Moon phase is Waxing Crescent. According to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide, 14% of the Moon will be illuminated tonight.
Tonight marks a significant return of visible features on the Moon’s surface. For instance, without any visual aids, you can spot the Mare Fecunditatis and the Mare Crisium. These are located on the middle right of the Moon, or the middle left if you’re in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Mare Fecunditatis
- Mare Crisium
With binoculars or a telescope, you’ll also see the Edymion Crater, which is positioned at the top right or bottom left of the Moon.
When is the next Full Moon?
The next Full Moon in North America is predicted to occur on April 1, 2026.
What are Moon phases?
The Moon takes approximately 29.5 days to orbit Earth, going through eight distinct phases. We always see the same side, but the Sun illuminates different portions, leading to various appearances such as full, half, or crescent shapes.
These changing shapes are known as lunar phases, and they include:
- New Moon – The Moon is between Earth and the Sun, rendering it invisible.
- Waxing Crescent – A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
- First Quarter – Half of the Moon is illuminated on the right side, resembling a half-Moon.
- Waxing Gibbous – More than half is lit, but it’s not fully illuminated.
- Full Moon – The entire face of the Moon is illuminated and visible.
- Waning Gibbous – 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 illuminated.
- Waning Crescent – A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before it goes dark again.
How do Moon phases affect visibility?
Visibility of the Moon’s features changes with its phases. During a Full Moon, the entire surface is visible, while during a New Moon, it is not visible at all. The Waxing Crescent allows for partial visibility, making it easier to spot specific features.
What features can you see on the Moon tonight?
As of 2026 data, tonight’s visibility allows you to observe several features:
| Feature | Location | Visibility |
|---|---|---|
| Mare Fecunditatis | Middle Right | Visible |
| Mare Crisium | Middle Left (Southern Hemisphere) | Visible |
| Edymion Crater | Top Right or Bottom Left | Visible with Binoculars |
Enjoy the wonders of the night sky! Observing the Moon can be a rewarding experience for both casual viewers and dedicated astronomers.









