Moon Phase Calendar & Tracker
Track the moon's phases on a visual calendar. See daily moon phase, illumination, and moonrise times. Find dates for the next full moon or new moon.
Current Moon Phase
Full Moon
Moon age: 14.5 days
Moon Phases
New Moon
Waxing Crescent
First Quarter
Waxing Gibbous
Full Moon
Waning Gibbous
Last Quarter
Waning Crescent
About Moon Phases
The Moon completes a cycle of phases approximately every 29.5 days (synodic month). The phases are caused by the changing angles between the Sun, Earth, and Moon. A full lunar cycle includes: New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent.
How the Moon Phase Calendar Works
Select any year and month to view the moon phases for that period. The calendar displays each day with its corresponding moon phase icon and name.
The current moon phase shows at the top with the phase name, icon, and moon age in days. A visual illumination bar shows the moon's current phase from new to full.
Click any date in the calendar to see detailed information about that day's moon phase, including illumination percentage and moon age.
The moon phase algorithm calculates based on the synodic month (29.53 days) - the time between consecutive new moons. This provides accurate phase predictions for any date.
Eight distinct phases are displayed: New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent.
When You'd Actually Use This
Gardening by moon cycles
Some gardeners plant by moon phases. Root crops during waning moon, leafy greens during waxing. Track lunar gardening schedules throughout the year.
Astrophotography planning
Plan night sky photography around new moons for darkest skies. Schedule Milky Way shoots during moonless periods. Avoid full moon light pollution.
Fishing and hunting schedules
Many anglers and hunters track moon phases. Fish and game activity often correlates with moon position. Plan trips around major and minor feeding times.
Cultural and religious observances
Many religions follow lunar calendars. Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism have holidays based on moon phases. Track important religious dates and observances.
Tide prediction for coastal activities
Moon phases affect tides. Spring tides occur during new and full moons. Plan beach activities, surfing, or coastal hiking around extreme tides.
Educational astronomy lessons
Teach students about lunar cycles and Earth-Sun-Moon relationships. Track the moon through a complete cycle. Connect classroom learning to real observations.
What to Know Before Using
Moon age is days since new moon.Moon age ranges from 0 to 29.5 days. Age 0 is new moon, age 14-15 is full moon. This helps predict when the next phase will occur.
Phases are the same worldwide.The moon phase is identical everywhere on Earth. However, the moon's orientation appears different in Northern vs Southern Hemispheres.
Calculations are astronomical estimates.The algorithm provides phase predictions based on average synodic month length. Actual phases may vary by a day due to orbital mechanics.
Waxing means growing, waning means shrinking.Waxing phases (crescent to gibbous) occur between new and full moon. Waning phases occur between full and new moon. Remember: "Light on the right is growing bright."
Note: For precise astronomical observations, consult professional ephemeris data. This tool provides general phase information suitable for most purposes.
Common Questions
What causes moon phases?
Moon phases result from the changing angles between Sun, Earth, and Moon. We see different portions of the sunlit side as the Moon orbits Earth every 29.5 days.
How long is a lunar cycle?
A complete lunar cycle (synodic month) averages 29.53 days. This varies slightly due to the Moon's elliptical orbit and gravitational interactions with Earth and Sun.
What is a blue moon?
A blue moon is the second full moon in a calendar month. Despite the name, the moon doesn't appear blue. This occurs roughly every 2-3 years.
Why does the moon rise at different times?
The moon rises about 50 minutes later each day due to its orbit around Earth. Full moons rise at sunset, new moons rise at sunrise.
What's the difference between gibbous and crescent?
Crescent moons are less than half illuminated. Gibbous moons are more than half illuminated but not full. Quarter moons are exactly half illuminated.
Can I see the moon during the day?
Yes, the moon is often visible during daytime, especially during first and last quarter phases. It's harder to see near new moon (too close to Sun) or full moon (only visible at night).
What is moon illumination percentage?
Illumination shows what percentage of the moon's visible disk is lit by the Sun. New moon is 0%, full moon is 100%. First and last quarters are 50%.
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