🌙 Moon Phase Calculator
Calculate moon phase for any date instantly. Find out what phase the moon is today, tomorrow, or any date with next full moon and new moon dates.
The 8 Moon Phases
The moon goes through 8 distinct phases during its 29.5-day cycle around Earth. Here's what each phase means:
🌑 New Moon
The moon is between Earth and the Sun, so the side facing Earth is completely dark. This marks the beginning of the lunar cycle.
🌒 Waxing Crescent
A thin crescent appears on the right side. The moon is growing (waxing) and less than half illuminated.
🌓 First Quarter
Half of the moon is illuminated on the right side. Also called "half moon" - the moon is waxing.
🌔 Waxing Gibbous
More than half of the moon is illuminated on the right side. The moon continues to grow toward full moon.
🌕 Full Moon
The entire face of the moon is illuminated. This is when the moon is directly opposite the Sun from Earth.
🌖 Waning Gibbous
More than half of the moon is illuminated on the left side. The moon is shrinking (waning) after full moon.
🌗 Last Quarter
Half of the moon is illuminated on the left side. Also called "half moon" - the moon is waning.
🌘 Waning Crescent
A thin crescent appears on the left side. The moon is shrinking and less than half illuminated, approaching new moon.
How Moon Phase Calculation Works
Moon phases are determined by the relative positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun. The calculation uses:
- Lunar Cycle: The moon completes one cycle (from new moon to new moon) in approximately 29.5 days, known as a synodic month.
- Illumination Percentage: The calculator determines how much of the moon's face is illuminated by the Sun as seen from Earth.
- Phase Determination: Based on the illumination percentage and position, the calculator identifies which of the 8 moon phases applies.
- Next Events: The calculator also shows when the next full moon and new moon will occur.
Note: This calculator provides approximate moon phases. For precise astronomical calculations, professional astronomical software should be used, but this calculator is accurate enough for general purposes.
Common Use Cases
🌱 Gardening
Many gardeners plan planting, harvesting, and pruning activities based on moon phases. Some believe certain phases are better for different gardening tasks.
📸 Photography
Photographers plan shoots based on moon phases. Full moons provide bright night lighting, while new moons are best for stargazing and astrophotography.
🌊 Tides & Fishing
Moon phases affect ocean tides. Many fishermen plan fishing trips around new and full moons when tides are typically stronger.
🔭 Astronomy
Astronomers and stargazers use moon phases to plan observations. Darker phases (new moon, waning crescent) provide better conditions for viewing stars and deep-sky objects.
📅 Event Planning
Plan outdoor events, parties, or romantic dates around moon phases. Full moons can provide natural lighting for evening events.
🌙 Cultural & Spiritual
Many cultures and spiritual practices observe moon phases. The calculator helps track these important lunar events.