On August 5, 2026, the Moon is in the first day of the waning phase, showing 57% visibility. The National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) has made available the complete calendar of lunar phases for the month.
Upcoming Lunar Phases in August 2026
The lunar cycle in August 2026 begins with the Waning Moon on the 5th at 11:22 PM Brasília time. Subsequently, the New Moon will occur on the 12th at 2:37 PM. The Waxing Moon will appear on the 19th at 11:46 PM, and the cycle will conclude with the Full Moon on the 28th at 1:19 AM.
A lunar cycle, also known as a 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 the 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': the quarter waxing and the gibbous waxing (between new and full), and the gibbous waning and the quarter waning (between full and waning).
Understanding Each Moon Phase
During the New Moon phase, the satellite is positioned between the Earth and the Sun. As a result, the illuminated side faces the Sun, while the dark side is turned towards 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 appears. Slowly, a small illuminated band begins to appear in the sky, intensifying every night. Initially, only a thin arc of light is observed, but this illuminated area progressively increases until half of the Moon is visible, a stage called Quarter Waxing. This period symbolizes development, growth, and the building of new paths.
During the Full Moon, the Earth is located between the Sun and the Moon. This ensures that the lunar face facing the Earth receives full light, making it completely bright and visible in the firmament. This is the moment of greatest 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.
Concluding the cycle, after the Full Moon, the lunar luminosity begins to gradually decline. Every night, the illuminated portion of the surface decreases. When half of the Moon is visible, the Quarter Waning occurs, which is the opposite of the Quarter Waxing. The Moon continues to lose brightness until it returns to the New Moon, thus restarting the cycle. The Waning phase represents reflection, closure, and preparation for subsequent beginnings.
What is the Moon Phase Today?
Currently, the Moon is in the Waning phase.



