Moon Phase Today
Illumination
1.4%
Moon Age
28.4 days
NASA Frame
#6755
Waning Crescent
The moonlight is fading. Shadows shift to the other side, revealing structures that look different around the waxing moon.
Observing the Waning Moon
During the waning moon, the shadows move to the other side. The terminator now reveals structures that were dark during the waxing phase.
Terminator Observation
The light-shadow boundary (terminator) shows maximum crater contrast. Shadows highlight details that are invisible at full moon.
Earthshine
During thin crescent phases, you can often see the dark side of the moon glowing faintly. This is sunlight reflected from Earth.
Sunset Gazing
A waxing crescent is best viewed in the early evening. It stands high in the western sky right after sunset.
See the geometry
Wondering where today's phase comes from? The moon phases simulator shows the Moon on its orbit and the phase we see from Earth side by side.
Moon Gazing FAQ
How is the moon phase today calculated?
The page calculates the current moon phase in the browser from astronomical moon data and maps it to a phase such as New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Full Moon, or Waning Crescent.
Why doesn't the moon look the same every day?
The moon orbits the Earth. As a result, we see a different portion of its illuminated side every day. In addition, libration slightly alters the visible lunar surface.
Is full moon always the best time to observe?
Full moon is impressively bright, but for crater details, first/last quarters and crescent phases are often more exciting because the shadows are longer.
What is the difference between a waxing and waning moon?
With the waxing moon, the visible light increases until the full moon. After that, the illumination decreases again until the next new moon is reached.