From Mashable · Lois Mackenzie · · 1m 10s
Tonight's Moon is a growing crescent
The Moon is waxing brighter on September 16, with surface details coming into better view each night.
In brief
The Moon is waxing brighter on September 16, with surface details coming into better view each night. On September 16, 2026, the Moon is a Waxing Crescent with 26% illumination, and the next Full Moon arrives September 26. Originally reported by Mashable.
A brighter crescent
The Moon is showing more of its lit side this week. Each night gives skywatchers a better look at its surface features.
“There's a little more of the Moon to see this week”
Today’s phase
On Wednesday, September 16, NASA’s Daily Moon Guide lists the Moon as a Waxing Crescent with 26% of its surface visible.
“the Moon is in the Waxing Crescent phase”
What to spot
Mare Crisium and Mare Fecunditatis should be visible without gear. Binoculars or a telescope can bring Endymion Crater into clearer view.
Full Moon date
The next Full Moon comes on September 26, when the entire near side appears fully illuminated from Earth.
“The next Full Moon will take place on September 26.”
Why phases change
The Moon orbits Earth about every 29.5 days. As its position shifts around Earth and the Sun, we see different parts of its sunlit side.
The cycle repeats
The pattern runs from New Moon to crescent, quarter, gibbous, Full Moon, then back through waning phases before going dark again.
At a glance
On September 16, 2026, the Moon is a Waxing Crescent with 26% illumination, and the next Full Moon arrives September 26.
