Moon approaches Full Moon phase in late September 2026

The Moon is currently in the Waxing Gibbous phase, approaching a Full Moon expected on September 26, 2026. During this stage, the Moon appears nearly fully illuminated, with visibility ranging between approximately 95% and 99%.

Observers can view the lunar surface with the naked eye, though binoculars and telescopes can reveal specific features such as craters and plains like Mare Crisium and Mare Fecunditatis. While NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has photographed Apollo landing sites from orbit, the specific equipment left by astronauts remains too small to be seen through Earth-based telescopes.

The lunar cycle, which takes approximately 29.5 days to complete, moves through phases including New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Third Quarter, and Waning Crescent.