On September 18, 2026, the Moon will be in the first stage of the waxing phase, showing 50% visibility. The complete calendar of lunar phases for September 2026 was released by the National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet).
The lunar cycle in September began on the 4th with the Waning Moon at 04:52 AM Brasília time. Subsequently, the New Moon occurred on Friday the 11th at 00:27 AM. The Waxing phase appeared on the 18th at 17:44 PM, and the Full Moon is scheduled for the 26th at 13:50 PM.
A lunar cycle, also known as a lunation, is a period between two new moons, with 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. Additionally, there are intermediate phases, such as the first quarter and the gibbous waxing (between new and full), and the gibbous waning and the last quarter (between full and waning).
During the New Moon phase, the satellite is positioned between the Earth and the Sun. This results in only the side illuminated by the Sun facing away from us, while the dark side faces us, making the Moon invisible in the night sky. This phase signals the beginning of a new lunar cycle, associated with renewal and new opportunities.
After the New Moon, the Waxing phase begins. Slowly, a thin illuminated band appears in the sky and progressively increases each night. Initially, only a faint arc of light is visible, but as the days advance, the illuminated area grows until it reaches half of the Moon, a moment called First Quarter. This stage symbolizes development, growth, and the formation of new paths.
During the Full Moon phase, the Earth is located between the Sun and the Moon. This configuration allows the entire lunar face facing us to receive complete illumination, making it fully visible and bright in the sky. It is the period of maximum luminous intensity, occurring when the Moon rises on the horizon simultaneously with sunset. The Full Moon is linked to fullness, the peak of processes, and energy at its highest point.
After the Full Moon, the lunar luminosity begins to gradually decline. Each night, the illuminated portion decreases. When half of the Moon is visible, the Last Quarter occurs, which is the opposite of the First Quarter. The Moon continues to lose brightness until it returns to the New Moon, restarting the cycle. The Waning phase represents reflection, closure, and preparation for subsequent beginnings.
Currently, the Moon is in the Waxing phase.