NASA Moon Guide: Waning Crescent Phase at 37% on August 7

Skywatchers can spot prominent craters and landing sites before the August 28 Full Moon begins the next cycle.

The lunar cycle approaches its final transition as the illuminated side of the Moon turns away from Earth, rendering the natural satellite virtually invisible in the night sky. This point in the lunar calendar leaves only a narrow window for unobstructed observation before the upcoming New Moon cycle resets the pattern.

Lunar Features Visible on August 7, 2026

Observers stepping outside tonight face the final few nights of spotting distinct lunar features with the naked eye.

Telescopes reveal the Schiller Crater and the Apollo 12 landing spot according to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide data.

Understanding the Eight Moon Phases

During this journey, the relative positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon shift constantly, altering how much of the sunlit surface remains visible from our perspective.

New Moon: The Moon positions itself between Earth and the Sun, leaving the visible side dark and invisible to the naked eye. Waxing Crescent: A small sliver of illumination appears on the right side in the Northern Hemisphere. First Quarter: Exactly half of the Moon is lit on the right side, resembling a half-moon. Waxing Gibbous: More than half of the surface is illuminated, building toward fullness. Full Moon: The entire visible face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible. Waning Gibbous: The Moon begins losing illumination on the right side in the Northern Hemisphere as detailed in the Mashable phase breakdown. Third Quarter (Last Quarter): Another half-moon appearance, but with the opposite or left side illuminated according to the Mashable guide. Waning Crescent: A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before descending into total darkness as outlined by Mashable.

Alternative Observations from Previous Phases

At other points in the lunar calendar, such as during the Waning Gibbous phase observed on July 30 according to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide, the Moon appears almost completely lit and easy to observe with the naked eye and through optical equipment. Without any equipment during that phase, skywatchers can spot famous lunar features such as Mare Tranquillitatis, Copernicus Crater, and Tycho Crater. Using binoculars gives a clearer view of Gassendi Crater, Mare Frigoris, and Clavius Crater, while a telescope allows observers to see the Apollo 15 and Apollo 17 landing sites alongside the Caucasus Mountains on the Moon.

NASA Moon Guide: Waning Crescent Phase at 37% on August 7 — Photo: Mashable

Looking Ahead to the August 28 Full Moon

While the current waning crescent phase marks the winding down of the active viewing window, the lunar calendar moves steadily toward its next major milestone.