Moon phase today explained: What the Moon will look like on August 20, 2026

The Moon is looking brighter than it did just a few nights ago. Tonight, it reaches its First Quarter phase, when half of the Moon’s visible surface is illuminated. As of Thursday, Aug. 20, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon phase is in First Quarter phase, with 52% of its surface visible. Without any visual aids, tonight you can see the Mares Crisium, Tranquillitatis and Fecunditatis. With binoculars you'll also be able to see the Endymion Crater, Posidonus Crater, and the Mare Nectaris. A telescope will also help you spot the Apollo 17 landing spots, the Rima Hyginus, and the Descartes Highlands. The next Full Moon will take place on August 28. The Moon goes through a series of phases that cause its appearance to change as seen from Earth. As the Moon orbits Earth, it goes through a lunar cycle that takes about 29.5 days to complete, according to NASA. The positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon determine how much of the Moon’s illuminated side is visible from Earth, creating its different phases. Throughout the cycle, the Moon changes from a thin crescent to a half Moon, then a Full Moon, before repeating the cycle once more. New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and