Moon phase today: What the Moon will look like on August 5
See the Moon phase expected for August 5, 2026 as well as when the next Full Moon is expected.
As of August 5, the Moon's phase is currently in the Waning Gibbous stage, with 59% of its surface visible to observers on Earth. This marks the mid-point in the lunar cycle, which typically lasts 29.5 days. Positioned at day 22 of this cycle, the Moon's illumination is gradually decreasing, yet a majority of its features remain visible.
From a distance of just your eyes, tonight, you can spot several notable lunar features. The Aristarchus Plateau, Kepler Crater, and the Tycho Crater can be seen without any equipment. Binoculars will enhance the view, allowing you to observe the Gassendi and Clavius Craters, as well as the Apennine Mountains. For those with telescopic tools, the Apollo 12 landing site and the Rima Ariadaeus are also visible.
The next Full Moon is anticipated on August 28. This cycle of lunar phases, from New Moon to Full Moon and back again, is governed by the relative positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon. As these celestial bodies shift, they alter the amount of the Moon's illuminated surface that we can see from our perspective, leading to the observable sequence of phases.
Written by urgent.news from Mashable's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
