Waxing Gibbous Moon Illuminates Night Sky on February 28, 2026
On February 28, 2026, the Moon will be in its Waxing Gibbous phase, with 93% illumination, leading up to the Full Moon on March 3.
On Saturday, February 28, 2026, the Moon will be in its Waxing Gibbous phase, with approximately 93% of its surface illuminated. This phase occurs as the Moon approaches fullness, leading up to the Full Moon on March 3.
The Waxing Gibbous phase is characterized by more than half but not all of the Moon's face being illuminated. This phase follows the First Quarter and precedes the Full Moon in the lunar cycle.
Observers can expect the Moon to rise in the afternoon and set in the early morning hours. For example, in Newark, New Jersey, the Moon will rise at 2:43 PM and set at 5:05 AM the following day.
The upcoming Full Moon on March 3 will coincide with a total lunar eclipse, commonly referred to as a "Blood Moon," during which the Moon will take on a reddish hue.
The lunar cycle consists of eight phases: New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent. These phases result from the Moon's orbit around Earth and the varying angles of sunlight illuminating its surface.