Moon phase today: What the Moon will look like on November 5, 2026
See the Moon phase expected for November 5, 2026 as well as when the next Full Moon is expected.
The Moon is nearing the end of its current lunar phase, with less than 20% of its surface illuminated. As of November 5, 2026, it is in the Waning Crescent phase, exhibiting only 16% of its surface. Tonight, under normal viewing conditions, one should be able to spot the Aristarchus Plateau, while binoculars or a telescope would reveal the Grimaldi Basin.
The Moon requires approximately 29.5 days to complete a lunar cycle, transitioning through various phases as it orbits Earth. These phases result from the changing angle at which sunlight illuminates the Moon's surface, creating a variety of appearances from our perspective on Earth. From New Moon to Full Moon and back again, the cycle repeats itself.
The eight recognized lunar phases are:
1. New Moon - The Moon resides between Earth and the sun, leaving the side visible to us in shadow, making it invisible to the naked eye.
2. Waxing Crescent - A slender sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
3. First Quarter - Half of the Moon's face is illuminated on the right side, resembling a half-Moon.
4. Waxing Gibbous - More than half of the Moon is lit, but it is not yet fully illuminated.
5. Full Moon - The entire face of the Moon is illuminated and visible.
6. Waning Gibbous - The Moon begins to lose light on the right side.
7. Third Quarter (also known as the Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is illuminated.
8. Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before returning to darkness.
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