The Moon is slowly vanishing from sight.
By Lois Mackenzie on April 8, 2026
The Moon is in its waning phase, gradually reducing in size each night until the New Moon. This happens due to our position in the lunar cycle, a cycle approximately 29.5 days long as the Moon orbits Earth, changing the illuminated portion we see from the Sun. Read on to find out where we are in the cycle tonight.
What is today’s Moon phase?
As of April 8, the Moon is in the Waning Gibbous phase. According to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide, 68% of the moon will be visible tonight.
There’s much to observe on the Moon’s surface even without visual aids. With the naked eye, you can see the Mare Imbrium, Tycho Crater, and Oceanus Procellarum. Using binoculars, you’ll spot the Gassendi Crater, Grimaldi Basin, and Clavius Crater. A telescope will allow you to see features like the Apollo 12 landing site and the Schiller Crater.
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?
According to NASA, the Moon takes about 29.5 days to orbit Earth, transitioning through eight unique phases. Although we always see the same side from our perspective on Earth, varying sunlight levels create different visible shapes, known as lunar phases:
– New Moon – The Moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun, leaving the side we face in darkness.
– Waxing Crescent – Light appears as a small sliver on the right side.
– First Quarter – The right half of the Moon is visible.
– Waxing Gibbous – More than half is illuminated, approaching full visibility.
– Full Moon – The entire face is visible and brightly lit.
– Waning Gibbous – Light diminishes on the right side.
– Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) – Another half-Moon, but the left side is lit.
– Waning Crescent – Light remains as a thin sliver on the left before disappearing again.