Waxing Gibbous Moon Illuminates Night Sky Ahead of April's Full Moon
On March 29, 2026, the Moon is in its Waxing Gibbous phase, with 88% illumination, leading up to the Full Moon on April 1.
On Sunday, March 29, 2026, the Moon will be in its Waxing Gibbous phase, with approximately 88% of its surface illuminated. This phase occurs as the Moon progresses toward the Full Moon, which is expected on April 1 at 10:12 p.m. EDT.
During the Waxing Gibbous phase, the Moon rises in the east in the mid-afternoon and is visible through most of the night, setting a few hours before sunrise. This period offers optimal conditions for observing lunar features such as the Serenitatis, Imbrium, and Vaporum Mares with the naked eye. Using binoculars or a telescope can enhance views of additional features like the Mare Frigoris, Archimedes Crater, Clavius Crater, Caucasus Mountains, and the Apollo 12 landing site.
The Moon's phases result from its orbit around Earth, completing a cycle approximately every 29.5 days. This cycle includes eight distinct phases: New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent. These phases are determined by the Moon's position relative to Earth and the Sun, affecting the portion of the illuminated side visible from Earth.