Moon Phase Today: How the Moon Appears on August 2, 2026

Tonight, the Moon remains in its waning gibbous phase after the Full Moon. Discover what notable features you can observe on its surface this evening.

What Moon Phase Is Visible Tonight?

On Sunday, August 2, NASA’s Daily Moon Guide indicates that the Moon is in its Waning Gibbous phase, with 87% of its surface illuminated and visible from Earth.

You don’t need high-tech equipment to observe features on the Moon’s surface. With just your naked eye, you can easily spot the Oceanus Procellarum, Kepler Crater, and Mare Vaporum this evening. if you have binoculars, you will enhance your viewing experience and be able to see the Alphonsus Crater, Mare Humorum, and Mare Frigoris more clearly. For the best observation, a telescope will reveal even more details, including the Apollo 15 landing site, Rima Ariadaeus, and Schiller Crater.

When Will the Next Full Moon Occur?

The upcoming Full Moon is scheduled for August 28.

What Are the Different Phases of the Moon?

NASA informs us that the Moon undergoes a complete cycle of eight distinct phases approximately every 29.5 days. As it orbits Earth, the angle between the Sun, Earth, and Moon shifts continuously, altering the amount of the Moon’s sunlit side we can observe. This dynamic results in the recognizable transition from a thin crescent to a half Moon, then a Full Moon, before the cycle begins anew.

The eight lunar phases are as follows:

New Moon – During this phase, the Moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun, leaving the side facing us dark and invisible.

Waxing Crescent – A slender sliver of light begins to appear on the right side (in the Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter – Half of the Moon is illuminated on the right side, presenting the classic half-Moon appearance.

Waxing Gibbous – More than half of the Moon’s surface is lit up, nearing full illumination.

Full Moon – The entire face of the Moon is fully illuminated, showcasing its complete visibility.

Waning Gibbous – The Moon begins to lose light on the right side, transitioning back towards a crescent phase (in the Northern Hemisphere).

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) – Another half-Moon appears, but this time the left side is illuminated.

Waning Crescent – A thin sliver of light remains visible on the left side before the Moon becomes completely dark again.