We’re five days into the new lunar cycle, and each night the moon grows a little brighter. There are still a few nights to go before it’s full, but there's plenty you can see in the meantime.
What is today’s moon phase?
As of Sunday, Oct. 26, the moon phase is Waxing Crescent. There will be 21% of the moon lit up tonight, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation.
Without any visual aids, tonight you should be able to see the Mare Crisium and the Mare Fecunditatis. Add in a pair of binoculars or a telescope and you'll also catch a glimpse of the Endymion Crater. Positionally, these will be visible on the right side of the moon now. If you're in the Southern Hemisphere, it'll be the left side.
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When is the next full moon?
The next full moon will be on Nov. 5.
The next full moon will be on Nov. 5.
What are moon phases?
The Moon follows a continuous cycle that lasts about 29.5 days as it travels around Earth. These shifts occur because the positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon are always changing relative to one another. From Earth, we might see the Moon as full, partly lit, or completely dark, but the same side always faces us. What varies each night is how much sunlight reaches and reflects off its surface.
The eight main moon phases are:
New Moon - The moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).
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. It looks like a half-moon.
Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.
Full Moon - The whole face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.
Waning Gibbous - The moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.
Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.
Lois Mackenzie is a freelance reporter at Mashable. Over the years she has written for many publications, covering everything from the local news to the best pair of running shoes. You can find bylines in publications including Fit&Well, Metro, and Coach magazine, usually covering deals on everything from earbuds to TVs, or guides on how to beat your half marathon time.
Lois also holds a Master's degree in Digital Journalism from Strathclyde University and obtained a Master of Arts in English Literature at the University of Aberdeen.
