The Moon has at last resumed its visibility. For several nights it was hidden from view, but now the crescent is expanding a little each evening, and tonight observers can make out some of the lunar surface features once again.
According to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide tracker, on September 15, 2026, the Moon is in the Waxing Crescent phase. Observers can spot roughly 18% of its surface without any visual aids, including the Mare Crisium and the Mare Fecunditatis. With binoculars or a telescope, the Endymion Crater becomes visible.
The Waxing Crescent Phase
Earth’s natural satellite changes appearance across the sky night after night because it circles our planet in roughly 29.5 days. As it moves along that path, sunlight strikes different sides of the Moon, revealing various amounts of its bright surface to viewers on Earth. The sequence begins with a slender crescent, grows through a half Moon, reaches full illumination during the Full Moon phase, and then repeats the cycle.
The phase we see depends on the Moon’s position relative to both Earth and the Sun. When the Moon is between Earth and the Sun, its side facing us is dark, and it disappears from view entirely. That’s the New Moon phase.
After the Waxing Crescent, with its small sliver of light appearing on the right side as seen from the Northern Hemisphere, comes the First Quarter. At that point, half of the Moon is lit on the right side, resembling a half-Moon. The Waxing Gibbous is the next phase in the sequence, even though the source fails to describe its appearance beyond the name.
When the whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible, that moment marks the arrival of the Full Moon. From there, the Moon begins to lose light on its right side during the Waning Gibbous phase. Then comes the Third Quarter, also known as the Last Quarter, which shows another half-Moon with the left side lit. The Waning Crescent follows, leaving only a thin sliver of light on the left side before the Moon goes dark again.
What You Can See Tonight
A Waxing Crescent appears tonight, and it presents a modest yet rewarding sight. The Mare Crisium and the Mare Fecunditatis can be seen with the naked eye. With binoculars or a telescope, the Endymion Crater comes into view.
The ability to see clearly depends on where you stand and what hour of the night it is. Those watching should pick a place far from bright lights so they can make out the details plainly.
The Next Full Moon
Until the Moon reaches its fullest state, it will keep moving through the remaining phases. The next Full Moon is set for September 26, 2026.
The lunar cycle follows a steady, repeated pattern that observers can rely on, returning to its familiar course roughly every 29.5 days.
The Eight Phases Explained
Here’s the way the lunar system works, laid out plainly:
- New Moon — The Moon is between Earth and the Sun, so the side we see is dark.
- Waxing Crescent — A small sliver of light appears on the right side.
- First Quarter — Half of the Moon is lit on the right side.
- Waxing Gibbous — More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.
- Full Moon — The whole face of the Moon is illuminated.
- Waning Gibbous — The Moon starts losing light on the right side.
- Third Quarter — Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.
- Waning Crescent — A thin sliver of light remains on the left side.
The entire process takes roughly 29.5 days to complete, and during that span, the Moon passes through each of its eight phases.
Lois Mackenzie’s Background
The original guide was written by Lois Mackenzie, a freelance reporter at Mashable. She has covered a wide range of topics, from local news to running shoe deals, for publications such as Fit&Well, Metro, and Coach magazine. Mackenzie frequently produces guides aimed at helping readers improve their performance, including how to beat your half marathon time.
Her academic background includes a Master’s degree in Digital Journalism earned at Strathclyde University and a Master of Arts in English Literature from the University of Aberdeen.
Tonight’s View
This kind of guide offers pleasure without being necessary. It points out what to notice tonight and what to anticipate tomorrow. Such information makes a stroll outdoors feel more rewarding.
These guides encourage us to notice the Moon, which has always been with us. You might study its craters through binoculars, or just take in the gentle crescent light. Either way, the Moon provides a quiet link to something far older than ourselves.
The Moon is currently 18% visible tonight, with the Mare Crisium and Mare Fecunditatis both on display for observation. If you own a pair of binoculars, take them along, find a dark location, and look up at the sky.
There’s no need for an explanation to appreciate the Moon’s beauty. A bit of background information, however, can add to the experience.
Key Facts Box
- Phase: Waxing Crescent
- Percentage visible: 18%
- Visible features without aid: Mare Crisium, Mare Fecunditatis
- Visible feature with binoculars/telescope: Endymion Crater
- Next Full Moon: September 26, 2026
- Cycle length: About 29.5 days
This evening brings back the sight of the Moon, and this very night is the time to look upon it.
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