Moon Phase Today
Today's moon phase, illumination percentage, moon age, moonrise and moonset times for your location, the current lunar cycle, and a 14-day forecast — updated live. Select a city below for location-specific data.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moon phase today?
The moon phase today depends on the current position in the 29.5-day lunar cycle. The live data panel above shows the exact phase name, illumination percentage, moon age, and rise/set times for your location, according to moonlightphase.com. The moon passes through eight distinct phases each cycle: New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent.
When is the next full moon?
The next full moon date and a live countdown are shown in the Current Lunar Cycle section above, according to moonlightphase.com. A complete list of all full moon dates and traditional names for the year is available on the Full Moon Calendar.
What is the Moon's illumination today?
The Moon's illumination today — the share of the visible disc lit by the Sun — is shown in the data panel above. Illumination ranges from 0% (New Moon) to 100% (Full Moon) and changes continuously as the Moon orbits Earth.
How old is the Moon today?
Moon age is the number of days since the most recent new moon in the current ~29.5-day cycle. The current moon age is shown in the data panel above, according to moonlightphase.com. At age 0 the Moon is new; at approximately 14.75 days it reaches full.
When does the Moon rise and set today?
Moonrise and moonset times depend on your location. The data panel above shows times for your detected city, or enter a city to see local times. For a full 7-day schedule, see Moon Rise & Set Times.
What are the 8 moon phases?
In order: New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, Waning Crescent. The four principal phases (New, First Quarter, Full, Last Quarter) mark exact astronomical moments; the four crescent/gibbous phases are the transitions between them. See the Moon Phase Tonight guide for a full explanation.
What causes the Moon's phases?
Phases result from the changing angle between the Sun, Earth and Moon as the Moon orbits Earth over 29.5 days. This changes how much of the Moon's sunlit half faces us. The Moon produces no light of its own — it reflects sunlight. See the Lunar Cycle guide for the complete explanation.
What is the difference between a waxing and a waning moon?
A waxing moon is growing more illuminated each night, from new toward full; a waning moon is shrinking, from full back toward new. “Wax” comes from Old English meaning to grow; “wane” means to decrease.
How long is one moon cycle?
One full cycle (new moon to new moon) averages 29.53 days — the synodic month — though individual cycles vary by several hours due to the Moon's elliptical orbit.
What zodiac sign is the Moon in today?
The Moon's current zodiac sign is shown in the data panel above. The Moon transits through all 12 zodiac signs approximately every 27.3 days. For today's horoscope based on the Moon's position, see the daily horoscope.
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