Moon phase today: What the Moon will look like on August 19
See the Moon phase expected for August 19, 2026 as well as when the next Full Moon is expected.
Today's Moon phase is Waxing Crescent, with 42% of its surface visible, according to NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker. The Moon is growing brighter each night as it moves through this phase. During the Waxing Crescent phase, a small sliver of light appears on the right side of the Moon (left side for those in the Southern Hemisphere).
Tonight, you should be able to see the Mares Crisium, Tranquillitatis, and Fecunditatis with the naked eye. Binoculars will reveal the Endymion Crater, Posidonia Crater, and the Mare Nectaris. A telescope will also help you spot the Apollo 17 and 16 landing sites, as well as the Rupes Altai.
The Moon goes through a series of phases that affect its appearance when viewed from Earth. These phases occur as the Moon orbits Earth and take about 29.5 days to complete a full cycle. The Moon transitions from a thin crescent to a half Moon, then to a Full Moon, before repeating the cycle again. The eight phases of the Moon are: New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Third Quarter (or Last Quarter), and Waning Crescent.
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