What is the moon phase today? The Moon goes through a repeating cycle of eight phases over about 29.5 days, as the lit-up part we see grows and shrinks. Here's how to read tonight's Moon and find the next full or new moon.
👉 [See today's exact moon phase, illumination & next full moon](/moon) — updated live.
The 8 moon phases
The phases follow the Moon's orbit around Earth, in order:
- New Moon — not visible (Moon is between Earth and Sun)
- Waxing Crescent — a thin sliver, growing
- First Quarter — half lit (right side, Northern Hemisphere)
- Waxing Gibbous — more than half, growing
- Full Moon — fully lit
- Waning Gibbous — more than half, shrinking
- Last Quarter — half lit (left side, Northern Hemisphere)
- Waning Crescent — a thin sliver, fading to new
Waxing = growing (getting brighter); waning = shrinking. The full cycle is a lunar month (~29.5 days).
How to read tonight's Moon
- If the right side is lit (Northern Hemisphere), the Moon is waxing (heading toward full).
- If the left side is lit, it's waning (heading toward new).
- (In the Southern Hemisphere, this is mirrored.)
For the exact phase, illumination percentage and Moon age tonight, see the moon page.
When is the next full moon?
Full moons happen roughly once a month. Each has a traditional name — Wolf Moon, Harvest Moon, etc. See full moon names 2026, or the moon page for the next exact date.
Quick answers
What is the moon phase today? Check the live moon page for tonight's exact phase and illumination. The Moon cycles through 8 phases over ~29.5 days.
What does waxing and waning mean? Waxing means the lit part is growing (toward full); waning means it's shrinking (toward new).
How long is the moon cycle? About 29.5 days — one lunar month from new moon to new moon.
How often is a full moon? Roughly once a month; occasionally twice in a calendar month (a "blue moon").