The Moon’s appearance changes nightly as it orbits Earth, with sunlight illuminating different portions of its surface. On Monday, March 23, 2026, the Moon is in the Waxing Crescent phase, meaning roughly 23% of its visible surface is lit. This phase follows the New Moon and precedes the First Quarter.
Understanding Lunar Phases
The Moon cycles through eight distinct phases over approximately 29.5 days. These phases aren’t about the Moon changing shape, but rather our perspective on how much of the sunlit side we can see. The Moon is always there, but the position of the Sun, Earth, and Moon creates the illusion of waxing and waning.
Here’s a breakdown of all eight phases:
- New Moon: The Moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun, making its visible side dark.
- Waxing Crescent: A sliver of light appears on the right side (in the Northern Hemisphere).
- First Quarter: Half of the Moon is illuminated on the right side.
- Waxing Gibbous: More than half of the Moon is lit, but not fully.
- Full Moon: The entire visible face of the Moon is brightly lit.
- Waning Gibbous: The lit portion begins to decrease on the right side.
- Third Quarter (Last Quarter): Half of the Moon is illuminated on the left side.
- Waning Crescent: A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before disappearing again.
Observing Tonight’s Moon
Even with just the naked eye, observers can spot features like the Mare Fecunditatis, Mare Crisium, and the Edymion Crater during the Waxing Crescent phase. Binoculars or a telescope will reveal even more surface details.
Next Full Moon
The next Full Moon in North America is scheduled for April 1, 2026. This marks a shift from the growing illuminated portion to the peak brightness, before the Moon begins to wane again.
The lunar cycle is a constant, predictable rhythm in our sky. Understanding it provides insight into Earth’s relationship with its natural satellite, and makes observing the night sky more meaningful.
