Brief
NASA tracker shows Moon in waxing gibbous phase on Oct 20, 2026
NASA’s Daily Moon Guide says the Moon is 65% illuminated and will appear larger each night.
By Felo News Desk · Published
NASA’s Daily Moon Guide tracker indicates that on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, the Moon is in a waxing gibbous phase with about 65% of its surface illuminated, according to Mashable.
The guide notes the Moon will look larger each night, and observers can see the Mare Crisium, Tycho Crater and Mare Fecunditatis without aids. Binocular users may also spot Endymion Crater, Alphonsus Crater and the Apennine Mountains, while telescopes reveal the Apollo 15 and 16 landing sites and Rima Hyginus.
The next full Moon is expected on Oct. 25 or 26, depending on the viewer’s timezone. Mashable explains that the Moon completes a 29.5‑day orbit around Earth, cycling through eight phases—from new moon to full moon and back—driven by its changing position relative to Earth and the Sun.
Key facts
- NASA’s Daily Moon Guide lists the Moon as 65% illuminated on Oct 20, 2026. (mashable.com)
- The Moon is in a waxing gibbous phase, meaning it is more than half lit but not yet full. (mashable.com)
- Visible features without aids include Mare Crisium, Tycho Crater and Mare Fecunditatis. (mashable.com)
- Binoculars can reveal Endymion Crater, Alphonsus Crater and the Apennine Mountains. (mashable.com)
- A telescope can show the Apollo 15 and 16 landing sites and Rima Hyginus. (mashable.com)
- The next full Moon will occur on Oct 25 or 26, 2026, depending on timezone. (mashable.com)
Sources
- [1] mashable.com — originally reported as “Moon phase today explained: What the Moon will look like on October 20, 2026”
