Find the moon phase for today or any date — new, full or quarter — plus the illuminated percent, the Moon’s age and the days to the next full and new moon.
Choose the date
Pick any date to see the Moon phase on that day; today is the default.
☾Moon phase
🌑 New moon
Illumination1 %
Moon age0.9 days
Moon–Earth distance≈ 369,193 km
To full moon14 days
To new moon29 days
Mean synodic model — accurate to under a day for the phase, illumination and Moon age.
The file is generated on your device; nothing is sent to a server. Tables are included.
Report an issue
Describe the problem — the page link, your inputs and the result are attached to the report automatically.
Moon phase, computed astronomically. The Moon’s age, illuminated percent and phase come from the chosen date using the mean synodic month. Everything runs in your browser, no account, no data sent.
Advertisement728 × 90320 × 250desktop 728×90 sticky · mobile 320×250
iHow it is calculated
The phase comes from the days since the last new moon, relative to the synodic month (29.53 days); illumination follows from the Sun–Moon angle:
illumination = (1 − cos(2π × age ÷ 29.53)) ÷ 2
On 3 January 2026, the Moon is full (100% lit). Pick another date to see the phase and the days to the next full or new moon.
Advertisement728 × 90320 × 250desktop 728×90 sticky · mobile 320×250
?Frequently asked questions
How is the moon phase calculated?
From the days elapsed since a known new moon, relative to the mean synodic month (29.53 days). The position in this cycle gives the phase, and the illuminated percent follows from the Sun–Moon angle.
What is the synodic month?
It is the period between two consecutive new moons, on average 29.53 days. It defines the full cycle of Moon phases, from new moon to new moon.
How many moon phases are there?
Eight: new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, last quarter and waning crescent.
What does the illumination percent mean?
It is how much of the visible lunar disc is lit by the Sun. 0% at new moon, 50% at the quarters and 100% at full moon.
When is the next full moon?
The calculator shows how many days remain until the next full moon and until the next new moon, starting from the chosen date.
Why do we sometimes see the Moon in daytime?
Because the Moon rises and sets at different times depending on its phase; near the quarters it is above the horizon during the day, so it can be visible.
What is a "blue moon"?
It is the second full moon in a calendar month (or the fourth in a season). It is rare, hence the phrase "once in a blue moon".
Advertisement728 × 90320 × 250desktop 728×90 sticky · mobile 320×250