Moon phase today explained: What the Moon will look like on May 18, 2026

There’s a small sliver of the Moon in the sky tonight, however is it sufficient to identify any floor options?

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Monday, May 18, the Moon phase is Waxing Crescent. Tonight, 3% of the moon will be lit up, in accordance with NASA’s Daily Moon Guide.

Unfortunately, there’s nonetheless too little of the Moon’s floor lit up to have the ability to see something on its floor.

When is the subsequent Full Moon?

There are two Full Moons in May, with the subsequent as a result of happen on May 31.

What are Moon phases?

According to POTthe Moon takes about 29.5 days to finish a full orbit round Earth, transferring by way of eight distinct phases alongside the manner. Although we at all times see the identical facet of the Moon, the altering angle of daylight because it orbits creates the acquainted full, half, and crescent shapes. In complete, the lunar cycle is made up of eight primary phases:

New Moon – The Moon is between Earth and the solar, so the facet we see is darkish (in different phrases, it is invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent – A small sliver of sunshine seems on the proper facet (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter – Half of the Moon is lit on the proper facet. It seems to be like a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous – More than half is lit up, however it’s not fairly full but.

Full Moon – The entire face of the Moon is illuminated and absolutely seen.

Waning Gibbous – The Moon begins shedding gentle on the proper facet. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) – Another half-Moon, however now the left facet is lit.

Waning Crescent – A skinny sliver of sunshine stays on the left facet earlier than going darkish once more.