November 5, 2026: Moon phase today explained—what it will look like before the New Moon
A thin crescent remains
NASA’s Daily Moon Guide tracker identifies the Moon’s phase on Friday, Nov. 5, as Waning Crescent. It reports that 16% of the lunar surface is visible. This stage occurs late in the lunar cycle. The Moon appears as a slim crescent before reaching the New Moon.
What happens at New Moon
At New Moon, the Moon lies between Earth and the sun. The side turned toward Earth is dark, making the Moon invisible to the eye. The Waning Crescent is the final phase before that point in the cycle. Its small illuminated portion signals that the New Moon is approaching.
How other phases appear
During the First Quarter, the right half of the Moon is lit. At Full Moon, its entire face is illuminated and visible. The Third Quarter, also called Last Quarter, shows a half-Moon with its left side lit. These phases describe changes in how much of the Moon appears illuminated from Earth.
Key points
- NASA’s tracker lists a Waning Crescent on November 5, 2026.
- The tracker says 16% of the Moon’s surface is visible.
- The New Moon follows the Waning Crescent in the lunar cycle.
- First Quarter lights the right half; Third Quarter lights the left.