What can you see tonight? By Lois Mackenzie on May 10, 2026
The Moon is currently in its Waning Crescent phase, meaning we’re approaching the New Moon and a new lunar cycle. Over the coming nights, visibility will decrease significantly. However, you can still see some features tonight. Read on to discover what you can observe on the Moon tonight.
What is today’s Moon phase?
As of Sunday, May 10, the Moon phase is Waning Crescent. Tonight, 46% of the moon will be illuminated, according to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide. Without any visual aids, you can see the Kepler Crater and the Aristarchus Plateau tonight. With binoculars, you’ll catch a glimpse of the Gassendi Crater, Clavius Crater, and Mare Humorum. If you have access to a telescope, enjoy gazing at the Apollo 14 landing spot and the Schiller Crater.
When is the next Full Moon?
There are two Full Moons in May, with the next one due on May 31.
What are Moon phases?
According to NASA, the Moon takes about 29.5 days to complete a full orbit around Earth, passing through eight different phases. Even though we always see the same side of the Moon, the sunlight’s angle changes as it moves, creating the full, half, and crescent shapes. There are eight main phases in the lunar cycle:
– New Moon: The Moon is between Earth and the sun, and the side facing us is dark.
– Waxing Crescent: A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
– First Quarter: Half of the Moon is lit on the right side, resembling a half-Moon.
– Waxing Gibbous: More than half is lit up, but not yet full.
– Full Moon: The entire face of the Moon is illuminated.
– Waning Gibbous: The Moon starts losing light on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
– Third Quarter (Last Quarter): Another half-Moon, now lit on the left side.
– Waning Crescent: A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.