Moon PhaseLIVE
Real-time simulation of the Moon's current phase, age, and illumination as seen from Earth.
Loading Lunar Data...
Why Does the Moon Change?
The Moon doesn't generate its own light; it reflects sunlight. As it orbits Earth, the amount of the sunlit side we can see changes, creating the "phases" we observe, from New Moon to Full Moon.
Lunar Cycle Stages
New MoonInvisible from Earth.
Waxing CrescentThin sliver on the right.
First QuarterHalf moon (growing).
Waxing GibbousAlmost full.
Full MoonFully illuminated face.
Waning GibbousStarting to shrink.
Last QuarterHalf moon (shrinking).
Waning CrescentThin sliver on the left.