Waxing Crescent Moon visible on May 20 with 17% illumination

On the evening of May 20 the Moon will be in a waxing crescent phase, with about 17 % of its disk illuminated. The thin sliver on the right side will allow observers to see surface features such as Mare Crisium and Mare Fecunditatis, and with binoculars or a telescope the Endymion crater becomes visible. NASA’s Daily Moon Guide notes that this is the first visible illumination after several nights of darkness.

The lunar month lasts roughly 29.5 days and proceeds through eight standard phases. After the May 20 waxing crescent, the next full Moon will occur on May 31, marking the second full Moon in the calendar month.

These details are intended for sky‑watchers and amateur astronomers who wish to track the Moon’s progress through its cycle.