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Monday, October 5, 2026 · UTC
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Moon at Third Quarter phase as NASA publishes October 2026 lunar observing details

As of 3 October 2026, 53% of the lunar surface is visible from Earth, with the next full moon arriving late this month.

Luisa Marconi
Senior Space Correspondent
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NASA publishes lunar observing details for October
NASA publishes lunar observing details for October AI illustrationhow this picture was made
The Moon reached Third Quarter phase on 2026-10-03, with 53% of its surface visible from Earth, according to NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker.[1] For observers on this date, telescopes will resolve the Apollo 13 landing site and Schiller Crater.[6] The next full Moon will occur on 25 or 26 October 2026, depending on the observer's timezone.[3] The full lunar phase cycle runs approximately 29.5 days, divided into eight distinct phases.[5] Guidance published this week advises beginner skywatchers to track one complete lunar cycle to learn the Moon's predictable pattern of waxing and waning.[2] Binoculars are recommended for initial lunar, star cluster and Milky Way viewing before purchasing a telescope.[4]
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What this stands on
  1. NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker states that on 2026-10-03 the Moon is in the Third Quarter lunar phase with 53% of its surface visible from Earth. · Mashable
  2. The article advises beginners to track the moon's phases over one lunar cycle to understand its predictable waxing and waning. · EarthSky | Updates on your cosmos and world
  3. The next full Moon will occur on 2026-10-25 or 2026-10-26, depending on the observer's timezone. · Mashable ·
  4. EarthSky suggests using binoculars to view the moon, star clusters, and the Milky Way before purchasing a telescope. · EarthSky | Updates on your cosmos and world
  5. The lunar cycle lasts approximately 29.5 days, consisting of eight distinct phases determined by the Moon's position relative to Earth and the Sun. · Mashable
  6. Telescopes will reveal the Apollo 13 landing spot and Schiller Crater on the Moon on 2026-10-03. · Mashable
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