Celestial tracker
Moon Phase Tracker.
Today's moon phase with illumination percentage, age, a full monthly phase calendar, and countdown to the next full and new moon.
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Moon Age
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of 29.5-day cycle
Illumination
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Next Full Moon
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Next New Moon
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Moon Calendar
Phase Guide
New Moon
0% lit
Waxing Crescent
1–49%
First Quarter
50% lit
Waxing Gibbous
51–99%
Full Moon
100% lit
Waning Gibbous
99–51%
Last Quarter
50% lit
Waning Crescent
49–1%
Frequently asked questions.
How is the moon phase calculated?
We use the synodic period of 29.53 days and a known reference new moon date to compute how many days into the current lunar cycle we are. This gives us the age, phase name, and illumination percentage.
What is the synodic month?
The synodic month (29.53 days) is the time from one new moon to the next — the cycle of lunar phases. It differs from the sidereal month (27.3 days) which is the time for the moon to complete one orbit relative to the stars.
Why does the moon look bigger near the horizon?
This is the moon illusion — a perceptual effect, not an actual size change. The moon's angular diameter is consistent throughout the night. Near the horizon, surrounding objects give our brain a reference that makes the moon appear larger.
What is a supermoon?
A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the moon's closest point to Earth (perigee). The moon can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon.
Does the moon phase affect tides?
Yes. During full and new moons, the sun, Earth, and moon align, producing stronger 'spring tides.' During quarter phases, tidal forces partially cancel, producing weaker 'neap tides.'