Moon phases guide
The Moon reflects sunlight; the “phase” is the fraction we see from Earth. One full cycle between new moons is the synodic month (~29.53 days on average).
Today moon summary
2026-04-27 (America/New_York)
First Quarter 🌓
Illumination: 76.1% | Next full moon: 2026-05-02
Illuminated hemisphere faces the Sun; the disk is nearly invisible from Earth.
This phase starts the lunar cycle and is commonly linked to fresh starts.
A thin crescent grows each night.
Light grows night by night as the visible illuminated fraction increases.
Right half lit (northern hemisphere view).
Half moon is visible and serves as a key cycle checkpoint.
More than half lit before full moon.
Pre-full phase with high illumination and brighter nights.
Fully illuminated disk; Earth roughly between Moon and Sun.
Peak apparent illumination and one of the most visible night sky moments.
Light decreases after full.
Illumination starts declining after full moon while nights remain bright.
Left half lit (northern hemisphere).
Another half moon marker during the descending side of the cycle.
Thin crescent before the next new moon.
Final stage before the cycle returns to a new moon.
How we calculate
We derive the phase from the Moon’s position in its ~29.5-day cycle—enough for everyday calendars; use a professional ephemeris if you need minute-level precision.
Quick links
Moon today by country
Moon phases FAQ
What moon phase is today?
Today phase is First Quarter with 76.1% illumination in America/New_York.
When is the next full moon?
Next full moon is estimated on 2026-05-02.
When is the next new moon?
Next new moon is estimated on 2026-05-17.
Common questions
- What moon is visible today in my city?
- When is the next full moon in my country?
- What moon phase will it be tomorrow?
- Does today moon affect tides and fishing?
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