On the occasion of International Moon Day, observed on July 20th, lunar exploration is gaining significant momentum. States and space agencies are intensifying scientific research, testing new technologies, and strengthening international cooperation in preparation for the next stage of lunar development.
One of the most anticipated missions is China's Chang'e-7, scheduled for launch in the second half of 2026. The spacecraft and its Long March-5 carrier have arrived at the Wenqiang Cosmodrome, located in Hainan Province in southern China, to complete assembly and conduct final tests before launch.
The Chang'e-7 mission is aimed at the south pole of the Moon. During its operation, it will conduct environmental and resource surveys, search for water ice in permanently shadowed craters, and demonstrate technologies such as precision landing and hopping exploration, which could form the basis for future lunar expeditions.
International interaction has been an important component of this mission. Chang'e-7 will carry six scientific payloads developed by partners from Egypt, Bahrain, Italy, Russia, Switzerland, and Thailand, as well as in collaboration with the International Lunar Observatory Association.
This mission is expected to provide scientific and technological support for the future International Lunar Research Station—an initiative designed to advance long-term lunar studies through global partnership. China's mission reflects a broader trend in lunar exploration, as more countries strive for scientific discoveries and peaceful cooperation in space, turning the Moon into an increasingly common focus for expanding knowledge and developing technologies for humanity's deeper study of the solar system.
On July 12, 2026, the Moon will be in the waning phase, showing 4% visibility. The National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) has made available the complete calendar of lunar phases for the month.
The lunar phases for July 2026 began on the 7th with the Waning Moon, recorded at 4:30 PM Brasília time. Subsequently, the New Moon will occur on the 14th at 6:45 AM. The Waxing Moon will appear on the 21st at 8:05 AM, and the Full Moon will be seen on the 29th at 11:37 AM.
A lunar cycle, also known as lunation, is the time interval between two new moons and has an average duration of 29.5 days. During this period, the Moon passes through four main phases: new, waxing, full, and waning, with each phase lasting approximately seven days. In addition to these main phases, there are so-called 'interphases,' such as the waxing quarter and the gibbous waxing (between new and full), and the gibbous waning and the waning quarter (between full and waning).
In the New Moon phase, the satellite is positioned between the Earth and the Sun. Consequently, the illuminated side faces the Sun, while the dark side faces us, making the Moon invisible in the night sky. This phase signals the beginning of a new lunar cycle and is associated with renewal and new opportunities.
After the New Moon, the Waxing phase begins. Slowly, a small illuminated band appears in the sky, progressively increasing each night. Initially, only a thin arc of light is observed, but this illuminated area grows until half of the Moon is visible, a moment called the Waxing Quarter. This phase represents development, growth, and the building of new paths.
The Full Moon occurs when the Earth is located between the Sun and the Moon. This allows the entire lunar face facing us to receive complete illumination, making it completely bright and visible in the sky. This is the period of maximum luminous intensity, occurring when the Moon rises on the horizon simultaneously with sunset. The Full Moon is associated with fullness, the peak of processes, and energy at its maximum point.
Finally, after the Full Moon, the Moon's luminosity begins to gradually decline. Each night, the illuminated portion decreases. When half of the Moon is visible, the Waning Quarter occurs, which is the opposite of the Waxing Quarter. The Moon continues to lose brightness until it returns to the New Moon, thus restarting the cycle. The Waning phase symbolizes reflection, closure, and preparation for future beginnings.
Currently, the Moon is in the Waning phase.
