First Quarter Moon illuminates half of lunar surface on May 22‑23

The Moon reaches its First Quarter phase on the night of May 22, with about 37 % of its disc illuminated, and continues to be about half‑lit on May 23, reaching roughly 48 % visibility, according to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide. Observers can see features such as Mare Crisium, Mare Fecunditatis and the Apollo landing sites with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope.

These phases are part of the Moon’s 29.5‑day orbital cycle that produces eight distinct appearances, ranging from New Moon to Full Moon and back.

The next Full Moon is scheduled for May 31, completing the current lunar cycle.