What can you see tonight?
By Lois Mackenzie on April 26, 2026
We’re currently in the Waxing Gibbous stage of the lunar cycle. Most of the Moon’s surface is illuminated, making it particularly bright in the night sky. Continue reading to discover what features you might observe this evening.
What is today’s Moon phase?
As of Sunday, April 26, the Moon phase is Waxing Gibbous. According to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide, 73% of the moon will be visible tonight.
With the naked eye, you can spot the Mare Crisium, Copernicus Crater, and Tycho Crater. Binoculars will reveal the Mare Frigoris, Posidonius Crater, and Apennine Mountains. A telescope will show these and more, including the Apollo 17 landing site, Rupes Altai, and Rupes Recta.
When is the next Full Moon?
The next Full Moon is expected on May 1, the first of two in May.
What are Moon phases?
NASA states that the Moon completes a full orbit around Earth in approximately 29.5 days, passing through eight phases. While the same side of the Moon always faces us, the illuminated portion changes as it orbits, creating the familiar cycle of full, half, and crescent shapes. These changes are known as lunar phases, and there are eight:
– New Moon: The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark.
– Waxing Crescent: A sliver of light appears on the right side.
– First Quarter: Half of the Moon is lit on the right side, resembling a half-Moon.
– Waxing Gibbous: More than half is illuminated, but not yet full.
– Full Moon: The entire face is lit and visible.
– Waning Gibbous: The light starts decreasing on the right side.
– Third Quarter (or Last Quarter): Another half-Moon, now the left side is lit.
– Waning Crescent: A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.