Moon Phase Calculator
Moon Phase Calculator
Find out the exact lunar phase and illumination for any date.
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Full Moon
Illumination: 100%
What are Moon Phases?
The phases of the moon are the different ways the Moon looks from Earth over about a month. As the Moon orbits around the Earth, the Sun lights up different parts of it. A full lunar cycle (from one New Moon to the next) takes exactly 29.53 days. This is known as a synodic month.
The 8 Primary Phases
The lunar cycle is broken down into eight distinct stages: New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Waxing and Waning?
Waxing means the moon’s illumination is growing or increasing (moving from New Moon to Full Moon). Waning means the illumination is shrinking or decreasing (moving from Full Moon back to New Moon).
Does everyone see the same moon phase?
Yes! Everyone on Earth sees the exact same moon phase on the same day. However, depending on whether you live in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere, the moon will appear “upside down” compared to the other half of the world. For example, a Waxing Crescent is illuminated on the right side in the Northern Hemisphere, but on the left side in the Southern Hemisphere.