Moon Phase calculator

Calculate the moon's position for a specific date

What are the different moon phases?

The moon phases, also known as the phases of the moon, refer to the changing appearances of the moon as we see it from Earth. These phases result from the relative positions of the Earth, the moon, and the sun in our solar system. There are eight main phases of the moon: new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, last quarter, and waning crescent.

Calculating the moon phase for a specific date is a complicated process that takes into account, among other things, the moon's orbit around Earth, the Earth's orbit around the sun, and the rotation of the Earth itself. Various methods have been developed to facilitate these calculations.

The different moon phases

New moon

This is the start of the lunar cycle and occurs when the moon is between the Earth and the sun. During the new moon, the side of the moon facing the Earth is not illuminated by the sun, making the moon invisible in the night sky.

Waxing crescent

After the new moon, the moon starts to "wax," or grow larger. The first visible sign of this is the waxing crescent, where a small, thin disc of the moon is illuminated from Earth's perspective.

First quarter

During the first quarter phase, the right half of the moon is illuminated as viewed from Earth. The term "first quarter" refers to the moon having completed a quarter of its orbit around Earth since the new moon.

Waxing gibbous

After the first quarter, the illuminated portion of the moon continues to grow until more than half, but less than the entire disc, is lit. This is called the waxing gibbous phase.

Full moon

The full moon occurs when the Earth is between the sun and the moon. The full disc of the moon is illuminated by the sun and is visible from Earth.

Waning gibbous

After the full moon, the moon begins to "wan," or shrink. During the waning gibbous phase, more than half of the moon remains illuminated, but less than during the full moon.

Last quarter

During the last quarter phase, the left half of the moon is illuminated as viewed from Earth. The moon has now completed three-quarters of its orbit around the Earth since the new moon.

Waning crescent

The final phase of the moon is the waning crescent, where a thin disc of the moon remains illuminated before the cycle begins again with the new moon.

Calculating the moon phases

Using algorithms and calculations, we can determine the phase of the moon on a particular date. These calculations take into account factors such as the positions of the Earth and the moon, the angle of sunlight, and the time since the new moon. With this information, we can make a fairly accurate prediction of the moon's phase on a given date.

Observing and understanding the moon phases is an essential aspect of astronomy and plays a significant role in many cultures and traditions worldwide. From navigation and timekeeping to agriculture and religious practices, the moon's phases have influenced us for centuries and continue to do so today.