Moon Phase on February 26, 2026: Waxing Gibbous with 71% Illumination
On February 26, 2026, the Moon will be in its Waxing Gibbous phase, with 71% of its surface illuminated, as it approaches the Full Moon on March 3.
On February 26, 2026, the Moon will be in its Waxing Gibbous phase, with 71% of its surface illuminated. This phase occurs as the Moon progresses from the First Quarter toward the Full Moon, which is expected on March 3, 2026.
The Moon's phases result from its orbit around Earth, completing a full cycle approximately every 29.5 days. These phases include New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent.
During the Waxing Gibbous phase, more than half but not all of the Moon's surface appears illuminated from Earth's perspective. This phase leads up to the Full Moon, when the entire face of the Moon is visible.
Observers can expect the Moon to rise in the early afternoon and set in the early morning hours during this phase. For example, in Los Angeles, California, on February 26, 2026, the Moon is expected to rise at 12:45 PM and set at 3:08 AM.