Moon phase today: What the Moon will look like on August 21
See the Moon phase expected for August 21, 2026 as well as when the next Full Moon is expected.
Today's Moon phase is Waxing Gibbous, with 61% of its surface visible from Earth. As per NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker, this is the current stage of the Moon's lunar cycle. The illuminated portion continues to grow each night, moving from a thin crescent to a half Moon, then a Full Moon. The cycle takes approximately 29.5 days to complete.
On August 21, you can observe the Mares Crisium, Serenitatis and Fecunditatis with the naked eye. Under binoculars, the Endymion Crater, the Alps Mountains, and the Archimedes Crater become visible. A telescope reveals the Apollo 15 and 17 landing spots and the Rupes Altai.
The Moon goes through various phases due to its position relative to Earth and the Sun. These phases include New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Third Quarter, and Waning Crescent. Each phase results from the changing angles of illumination as the Moon orbits Earth.
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