The Moon is gaining visibility each evening as we advance through the lunar cycle. At present, it is day five of the cycle, which means it will keep increasing in size and brightness until we arrive at the Full Moon in May.

What is the current Moon phase?

As of Wednesday, April 22, the Moon phase is Waxing Crescent. This evening, 30% of the lunar surface will be illuminated, based on NASA’s Daily Moon Guide.

If you are viewing the Moon with the naked eye, you ought to be able to observe the Mares Crisium and Fecunditatis. With binoculars, the Endymion and Posidonius Craters should come into view. And, with a telescope, you will see all of this along with the Apollo 17 landing site.

When will the next Full Moon occur?

The upcoming Full Moon is anticipated on May 1, marking the first of two in May.

What do Moon phases mean?

NASA elucidates that the Moon makes a complete orbit around Earth in roughly 29.5 days, transitioning through eight distinct stages. While the same side of the Moon perpetually faces us, the portion that is lit by the Sun varies as it orbits, resulting in the well-known cycle of full, half, and crescent shapes. These variations are referred to as lunar phases, totaling eight:

New Moon – The Moon is situated between Earth and the sun, rendering the side we see dark (invisible to our sight).

Waxing Crescent – A small sliver of light appears on the right side (in the Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter – Half of the Moon is illuminated on the right side, resembling a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous – More than half is bathed in light, but it has not reached full illumination yet.

Full Moon – The complete face of the Moon is illuminated and fully apparent.

Waning Gibbous – The Moon starts to lose illumination on the right side. (in the Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) – Another half-Moon, though now the left side is illuminated.

Waning Crescent – A slender sliver of light persists on the left side before it goes dark once more.