The New Moon has already occurred, meaning the Moon will grow larger and more brilliant each evening. This happens as an increasing portion of its illuminated side comes into view from Earth. It will keep becoming brighter night after night until the upcoming full Moon.

What is the Moon phase today?

As of Saturday, April 18, the Moon phase is Waxing Crescent. This evening, 1% of the Moon will be illuminated, as per NASA’s Daily Moon Guide.

The Moon is starting to shine again, but at present, there is still insufficient illumination of its surface to notice much.

When will the next Full Moon occur?

The next Full Moon is anticipated on May 1, which is the first of two full Moons in May.

What are the phases of the Moon?

NASA indicates that the Moon takes roughly 29.5 days to orbit Earth, during which it experiences eight unique phases. We consistently see the same side of the Moon, but the sunlight reflecting off it varies as it travels along its orbit, forming the well-known sequence of full, partial, and crescent shapes. These varying appearances are referred to as lunar phases, and there are eight in total:

New Moon – The Moon positions itself between Earth and the sun, rendering the side we observe dark (invisible to the naked eye).

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

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

Waxing Gibbous – More than half is illuminated, although it is not completely bright yet.

Full Moon – The full face of the Moon is lit up and entirely visible.

Waning Gibbous – The Moon begins to diminish light on the right side (in the Northern Hemisphere).

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) – Another half-Moon, but this time the left side is illuminated.

Waning Crescent – A slim sliver of light lingers on the left side before it goes dark once again.