Moon phase today: What the Moon will look like on February 23
Mashable
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Moon phase on February 23, 2025, is a Waxing Crescent, with 36% of its surface illuminated by the Sun. This phase occurs as the Moon moves from New to Full, appearing as a thin sliver of light in the sky. For stargazers, this is an ideal time to observe the lunar surface, with features like the Fecunditatis, Tranquillitatis, and Serenitatis maria (Latin for "seas") standing out. Using binoculars or a telescope, enthusiasts can spot craters such as Endymion and Posidonius, as well as the Mare Nectaris, while those with advanced equipment might even catch glimpses of the Apollo 16 and 17 landing sites.
The next Full Moon is expected on March 3, marking the peak of the lunar cycle. This phase will provide a fully illuminated view of the Moon, making it a prime time for observations. For those interested in lunar phases, understanding this cycle is not only fascinating but also significant due to its impact on tides and natural patterns.
Lunar phases occur because the Moon orbits Earth, and its position relative to the Sun determines how much of its surface is illuminated from our perspective. The eight distinct phases include the New Moon (completely dark), Waxing Crescent (a thin sliver of light), First Quarter (half-lit), Full Moon (fully illuminated), Waning Gibbous (diminishing light), Third Quarter (half-lit again but on the opposite side), and finally
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Originally published on Mashable on 2/23/2026