๐ Moon Phase Calculator
Discover the current moon phase and upcoming lunar events
Moon Phase Uses
Fishing
Fish are more active during new and full moons. Plan your fishing trips around these phases for better catches.
Gardening
Plant above-ground crops during waxing moon, root vegetables during waning moon. Prune during last quarter.
Photography
Full moon rises at sunset - perfect for moonrise shots. New moon means dark skies for astrophotography.
Camping
Full moon provides natural light for night activities. New moon offers the best stargazing conditions.
Understanding Moon Phases
The Moon takes about 29.5 days to complete one lunar cycle (synodic month). During this time, it goes through 8 distinct phases as we see different amounts of its illuminated surface.
The phases are caused by the Moon's position relative to the Sun and Earth. When the Moon is between Earth and Sun, we see a new moon. When Earth is between the Moon and Sun, we see a full moon.
The Moon always shows the same face to Earth (tidal locking). The "dark side" of the Moon isn't actually dark - it gets just as much sunlight, we just never see it from Earth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What moon phase is it today?
Check the calculator above for today's exact moon phase, illumination percentage, and moon age in days.
When is the next full moon?
Full moons occur approximately every 29.5 days. The calculator shows the exact date of the next full moon.
How long is a lunar cycle?
A complete lunar cycle (synodic month) is about 29.5 days. This is the time from one new moon to the next.
What is a supermoon?
A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the Moon's closest approach to Earth (perigee). It appears about 14% larger and 30% brighter.
Does the moon affect fishing?
Many anglers believe fish are more active during new and full moons due to increased tidal movement. The best fishing is often 2 days before and after these phases.
What is a blue moon?
A blue moon is the second full moon in a calendar month, occurring about every 2.7 years. It's not actually blue - the name comes from the phrase "once in a blue moon."
Why do we always see the same side of the Moon?
The Moon is tidally locked to Earth - it rotates once for every orbit around Earth. This synchronization means we always see the same hemisphere.
What is a lunar eclipse?
A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth passes between the Sun and Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon. It can only happen during a full moon and is visible from anywhere on Earth's night side.