On October 3, 2026, the Moon was in the first day of the waning phase, showing 45% visibility. The complete calendar of lunar phases for October 2026 was released by the National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet).
The month's phases began with the Waning Moon on the 3rd, at 10:26 AM Brasília time. Subsequently, the New Moon would occur on the 10th, at 12:50 PM. The Waxing phase would be observed starting from the 18th, at 1:13 PM, and the Full Moon would happen on the 26th, at 1:13 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': waxing quarter and gibbous waxing (between new and full), and gibbous waning and waning 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 towards the Sun, 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 band of light starts to appear in the sky, intensifying every night. Initially, only a faint arc is visible, but as the days advance, the illuminated area increases until half of the Moon is visible, marking the First Quarter. This stage symbolizes development, growth, and the formation of new paths.
At the time of the Full Moon, 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 completely 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, conclusion, and preparation for subsequent beginnings.
