Moon phase today: Waxing Gibbous or Full Moon?

Introduction — Why the moon phase today matters

The moon phase today is of interest to casual skywatchers, photographers and anyone tracking the lunar cycle. Small differences in reporting can affect visibility timing and the description used — for example, whether the Moon is labelled Waxing Gibbous or a Full Moon. The following summarises current, verified information and explains why sources may differ.

Main body — What sources report

Two sources: Waxing Gibbous

Two sources reporting on the moon phase today describe the Moon as being in a Waxing Gibbous phase. This phase is characterised as being more than 50% illuminated but not yet at 100% illumination. One of these sources notes that a Waxing Gibbous Moon is visible through most of the night sky and typically sets a few hours before sunrise.

One source: Full Moon (1 April 2026)

A separate source gives a specific date and description: on 1 April 2026 the Moon is 13 days old and in the Full Moon phase of its lunar cycle, listed as 99% illuminated. That description effectively places the Moon at or very near full illumination.

Explaining the apparent discrepancy

The difference between the Waxing Gibbous reports and the Full Moon report stems from how close the Moon is to full illumination. A Moon at 99% illumination is effectively at the full stage for many practical purposes, while other observers or services may still describe the same appearance as Waxing Gibbous if the exact moment of 100% illumination has not been reached. Both descriptions are consistent with a Moon that is very nearly full and high in the late-night sky.

Conclusion — What readers should expect

In short, the moon phase today can be reported as either Waxing Gibbous or Full depending on the source and rounding conventions. The Moon is very close to full — around 99% illuminated and about 13 days into its cycle according to one source — so observers can expect a bright, nearly full Moon visible for much of the night and setting in the early morning hours. For exact rise, set and peak illumination times in your area, check a local astronomical calendar or an authoritative lunar ephemeris.