Moon Phase Calculator

- May 09, 2025
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Calculate moon phases for any date. See the current phase of the moon, upcoming lunar events, and explore how the moon appears from your location.

Current Moon Phase

Current Phase:
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Illumination:
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Moon Age:
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Next Full Moon:
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Next New Moon:
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Moon Phase Lookup

Lunar Calendar

Moon Phase Facts

New Moon
The Moon is positioned between the Earth and Sun, with the dark side facing us. Not visible to the naked eye.
Waxing Crescent
The Moon appears as a crescent shape, growing larger each day. Visible in the western sky after sunset.
First Quarter
Half of the Moon is illuminated. Rises around noon and sets around midnight.
Waxing Gibbous
More than half illuminated and growing. Visible in the afternoon and most of the night.
Full Moon
The entire face of the Moon is illuminated. Rises at sunset and sets at sunrise.
Waning Gibbous
More than half illuminated but decreasing. Rises after sunset and sets after sunrise.
Last Quarter
Half of the Moon is illuminated. Rises around midnight and sets around noon.
Waning Crescent
The Moon appears as a crescent, shrinking each day. Visible in the eastern sky before sunrise.

About Moon Phases

The Moon's appearance changes throughout the month as it orbits the Earth. These changes, known as lunar phases, are caused by the relative positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon, which determine how much of the Moon's sunlit side is visible from Earth.

The Lunar Cycle

A complete lunar cycle, from one new moon to the next, takes approximately 29.5 days (29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes). This is known as a synodic month. During this time, the Moon transitions through eight distinct phases:

  • New Moon (0% illuminated) - The Moon is between the Earth and Sun, with its dark side facing us.
  • Waxing Crescent (1-49% illuminated) - A small, growing crescent becomes visible.
  • First Quarter (50% illuminated) - Half of the Moon appears illuminated.
  • Waxing Gibbous (51-99% illuminated) - The illuminated portion continues to grow.
  • Full Moon (100% illuminated) - The entire face of the Moon is visible.
  • Waning Gibbous (99-51% illuminated) - The illuminated portion begins to decrease.
  • Last Quarter (50% illuminated) - Half of the Moon appears illuminated, but the opposite side from the First Quarter.
  • Waning Crescent (49-1% illuminated) - A shrinking crescent remains visible before returning to New Moon.
Interesting Moon Facts
  • The Moon is Earth's only natural satellite and is the fifth largest moon in the solar system.
  • The same side of the Moon always faces the Earth due to a phenomenon called tidal locking.
  • Full Moons have various traditional names throughout the year, such as "Harvest Moon" and "Wolf Moon."
  • Lunar and solar eclipses occur when the Earth, Moon, and Sun align in specific ways.
  • The Moon's gravity is responsible for Earth's tides.

Understanding Moon Phases

Every month, the Moon goes through different phases based on its position relative to the Earth and the Sun. These phases are what we call the lunar cycle. Each phase shows a different part of the Moon lit up by the Sun. This cycle lasts about 29.5 days, moving from new moon to full moon and back again.

The Moon Phase Calculator Explained

The Moon Phase Calculator helps you find out the current phase of the Moon for any date you choose. You can see how much of the Moon is lit and learn about its age. This tool is perfect for anyone curious about lunar cycles or planning activities based on the Moon's appearance.

Current Moon Phase Details

With the calculator, you can immediately find out what the current Moon phase is. It displays information such as the Moon's illumination percentage, age, and when the next full and new moons will occur. This data is useful for stargazers and those interested in lunar events.

How to Look Up Past Moon Phases

Looking up Moon phases for specific dates is very straightforward. Just enter a date, and the calculator will reveal the phase of the Moon for that day. It can show:

  • The phase name (like full moon or new moon)
  • The Moon's illumination level
  • The age of the Moon
  • The Moon's position in its cycle

Creating Your Lunar Calendar

If you're interested in planning your month around the Moon, you can use the lunar calendar feature. By selecting a month and year, you can see all the Moon phases for that time. This is a great way to stay in tune with lunar activities throughout the month.

Learning About Moon Phases

The calculator also shares interesting facts about the Moon phases. For example, new moons aren't visible because the lit side is facing away from us. Each phase has unique characteristics, such as when a full moon rises at sunset and sets at sunrise. Understanding these phases can deepen your appreciation for the night sky.

The Importance of Moon Phases in Nature

Moon phases can significantly affect natural phenomena. Many animals and plants respond to the lunar cycle. For instance, some species breed during specific Moon phases, while tides on Earth are influenced by the Moon's gravitational pull. Knowing the Moon phase can be beneficial for gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts.

Engaging with the Moon Phase Calculator

The Moon Phase Calculator is a fun and informative tool for everyone. Whether you're a casual observer or a serious lunar enthusiast, this calculator helps you explore and understand the Moon's phases. By using it, you can enhance your stargazing experience and plan activities aligned with the Moon's cycle.