Moon Phase Today: July 26, 2026 Moon Appearance Explained

This evening, the Moon will appear nearly full as it progresses through the waxing gibbous phase. While the Full Moon is still a few days away, a significant portion of its surface is already illuminated, offering a stunning view for observers.

What Phase is the Moon in Tonight?

As of Sunday, July 26, NASA’s Daily Moon Guide indicates that the Moon is in the Waxing Gibbous phase, with approximately 90% of its surface visible from Earth.

With the naked eye, you should be able to spot the prominent features such as the Mares Fecunditatis, Serenitatis, and Tranquillitatis. Using binoculars will enhance your viewing experience, allowing you to see the Alps Mountains, Archimedes Crater, and the Gassendi Crater more clearly. If you have access to a telescope, you’ll be able to observe all these features, in addition to the Apollo 12 landing site, the Schiller Crater, and the Caucasus Mountains.

When Will the Next Full Moon Occur?

The next Full Moon is scheduled to take place on July 29.

How Do Moon Phases Work?

The Moon takes approximately 29.5 days to complete one orbit around Earth, transitioning through eight distinct phases during each lunar cycle, as detailed by NASA. Although the same side of the Moon is always facing Earth, the illuminated portion changes as the Moon travels along its orbit. These varying levels of light create the different appearances we observe throughout the month, ranging from a thin crescent to a half-lit Moon and culminating in a bright Full Moon, before the cycle begins anew.

The eight phases of the Moon are as follows:

New Moon – The Moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun, rendering the side we can see completely dark, or invisible.

Waxing Crescent – A small illuminated sliver appears on the right side of the Moon (as viewed from the Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter – Half of the Moon is illuminated on the right side, giving it the appearance of a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous – More than half of the Moon is lit, yet it has not reached fullness.

Full Moon – The entire face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible, presenting a breathtaking view.

Waning Gibbous – The Moon begins to lose light from the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) – Another half-Moon phase, but now the illuminated side is on the left.

Waning Crescent – A slender sliver of light remains on the left side before the Moon goes completely dark again.