On October 1, 2026, the Moon was in the full phase, showing 65% visibility. The National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) released the complete calendar of lunar phases for October 2026.
The lunar phases for October 2026 begin with the Waning Moon on the 3rd at 10:26 AM Brasília time. Subsequently, the New Moon will occur on the 10th at 12:50 PM. The Waxing Moon will appear on the 18th at 1:13 PM, and the cycle will conclude with the Full Moon on the 26th at 1:13 AM.
A lunar cycle, also known as a lunation, refers to 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': first quarter and waxing gibbous (between new and full), and waning gibbous and 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. A thin band of light starts to be observed in the sky and progressively increases each night. Initially, only a faint arc of light is seen, but as the days advance, the illuminated portion grows until it reaches half of the Moon, a stage called First Quarter. This period symbolizes development, growth, and the building 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 the Earth to receive complete illumination, making it fully visible and bright in the firmament. It is the moment of greatest 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 maximum level.
After the Full Moon, the lunar luminosity begins to gradually decline. Each night, a decrease in the illuminated area of the surface is observed. 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, thus restarting the cycle. The Waning phase represents reflection, conclusion, and preparation for subsequent beginnings.