Lua is in the Nova phase this Friday, May 22, 2026, showing 35% visibility and a growing movement in the sky. The Terra natural satellite is approaching the Crescente phase, which will occur in one day. Detailed observations of the lunar position are crucial for enthusiasts and researchers.
Complete information about lunar phases throughout May was made available by Instituto Nacional of Meteorologia (Inmet). Este month stands out for the occurrence of five phases, a particular phenomenon that manifests itself when an initial lunar phase is repeated at the end of the period, due to the 29.5 day lunation cycle.
May 2026 Lunar Calendário Details Five Phases
The month of May 2026 began with the arrival of Lua Cheia on the 1st, at 2:24 pm, marking the beginning of a series of visible transformations. Next, Lua Minguante appeared on May 9, at 6:13 pm. Já to Lua Nova, which is the current phase, emerged on May 16, at 5:03 pm. The calendar indicates a dynamic period for skywatchers.
Ainda Within this 31-day cycle, a new Lua Cheia is expected to end the month. Este event will take place on the 31st, at 5:46 am.
Confira the calendar of Lua phases in May 2026:
- Lua Cheia: day 1 at 2:24 pm
- Lua Minguante: 9th at 6:13 pm
- Lua Nova: 16th at 5:03 pm
- Lua Crescente: 23rd at 08:12
- Lua Cheia: 31st at 05:46
The peculiarity of May, with two Luas Cheias, is due to the fact that the lunar cycle, which has an average of 29.5 days, begins at the beginning of the month and is almost completed within the 31 days available. Essa configuration allows the same phase to be repeated at the end of the period, generating an interesting astronomical event for observation.
Próxima Lua Crescente arrives on May 23rd
The Crescente phase, which is just one day away, will officially begin on May 23rd at 8:12am. Durante During this phase, a growing part of the lunar surface begins to be illuminated by Sol, becoming progressively more visible from Terra. Este period is marked by the satellite’s transition from barely visible to more prominent in the night sky.
As sunlight reaches more of the surface, Lua transforms from a thin arc to an illuminated half. Essa continuous progression symbolizes growth and development, being a relevant moment of observation for those who follow celestial cycles. Quarto Crescente marks the point where half of the lunar disk is visible.
Lunar Ciclo comprises 29.5 days and additional interphases
A lunation, or lunar cycle, represents the time interval between two consecutive Luas Novas, with an average duration of 29.5 days. Nesse period, the Lua goes through its four main phases: Nova, Crescente, Cheia and Minguante. Cada one of these phases spans approximately seven days, dictating the satellite’s appearance in the sky.
Além of the main phases, there are also “interphases”, which are transition periods. Entre to Lua Nova and Cheia, there is Quarto Crescente and the crescent gibbosa. Já between Lua Cheia and Minguante, the gibbous gibbous and Quarto Minguante occur. Essas designations describe the stages in which the illuminated portion of the Lua is still increasing or has already begun to decrease.
Entenda each phase: from Nova to Minguante
Cada phase of Lua has distinct characteristics, influencing its visibility and, historically, associated with different symbols. Understanding these stages enriches the experience of observing the night sky.
InLua Nova, the satellite aligns itself between Terra and Sol, making the light side face Sol and the dark side face our planet. Consequentemente, Lua is not visible in the night sky, marking the beginning of a new lunar cycle. Tradicionalmente, this phase is associated with new beginnings and new possibilities, as it represents a starting point.
A Lua Crescenteappears after Nova, when a small illuminated band begins to appear, gradually expanding each night. Inicialmente a thin arc, the illuminated part grows until half of Lua is visible, a moment known as Quarto Crescente. Esta phase is often symbolized by growth, development and the building of new paths.
InLua Cheia, Terra is positioned between Sol and Lua, allowing the lunar side facing us to receive full light. Isso makes it fully visible and bright in the sky, configuring the period of greatest luminous intensity. Lua Cheia rises on the horizon exactly at sunset, and is associated with plenitude, the peak of processes and energy at its maximum point.
A Lua MinguanteThe Cheia phase follows, with the light of Lua gradually decreasing. Each night, a smaller portion of its surface is illuminated. Quando only half of it is visible, Quarto Minguante occurs, the opposite phase to Quarto Crescente. The luminosity continues to decrease until the arrival of Lua Nova, restarting the cycle, and this phase symbolizes reflection, closure and preparation for new beginnings.