Moon Phase Calculator
Date & Time
π
Waning Crescent
8% illuminated
Moon Age: 26.83 days β’ Waning
π
Next Full Moon
18 days
May 1
π
Next New Moon
3 days
Apr 17
April 2026
Upcoming Lunar Phases
π
New Moon
Apr 17
π
First Quarter
Apr 24
π
Full Moon
May 1
π
Last Quarter
May 9
Lunar Phase Cycle
About Lunar Phases
- β’ β’ The lunar cycle is approximately 29.53 days
- β’ β’ New Moon: Moon between Earth and Sun, not visible
- β’ β’ Full Moon: Earth between Moon and Sun, fully lit
- β’ Waxing: β’ Waxing: Moon appears larger each night (β Full)
- β’ Waning: β’ Waning: Moon appears smaller each night (β New)
Sources & Methodology
Moon Age = (Current JD - New Moon JD) mod 29.53Synodic month: 29.53058770576 days
Reference epoch: January 6, 2000 18:14 UTC (known new moon)
How to Calculate Moon Phases
The Moon Phase Calculator shows you the current lunar phase and calculates moon phases for any date. Perfect for photographers planning golden hour shoots, gardeners following lunar planting calendars, or anyone curious about tonight's moon.
The Lunar Cycle Explained
The Moon completes one cycle (new moon to new moon) in approximately 29.53 days, called the synodic month. The eight primary phases are: New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Third Quarter, and Waning Crescent.
Our Calculation Method
We use astronomical algorithms based on the January 6, 2000 new moon as our reference epoch. All calculations use UTC to ensure accuracy regardless of your time zone. Results are verified against USNO and timeanddate.com data.
Practical Applications
- Photography: Plan night shoots around full moons
- Fishing: Many anglers track lunar phases for activity
- Gardening: Traditional lunar planting calendars
- Astronomy: Best viewing conditions for stargazing
- Cultural events: Lunar new year, Eid, Passover dates
Related Astronomy Calculators
Plan outdoor activities with our sunrise sunset calculator for daylight hours and golden hour times. Check the countdown calculator for days until the next full moon.
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