The moon completes a full cycle every 29.5 days. The 8 phases are: New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, Waning Crescent. Enter any date to find the exact moon phase. The next full moon appears on average every 29.5 days.
📂 Daily Life
🌙 Moon Phase Calculator
Find the moon phase for any date — past, present, or future. See if it is a new moon, full moon, crescent, or quarter moon. Includes phase descriptions and moonrise information.
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🦉Owl's Explanation
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✅ Trusted Tool
The 365tool.net Moon Phase Calculator uses standard astronomical calculations. Accurate for general use and planning. For precise astronomical data, consult official astronomical ephemeris tables. Free, no sign-up needed.
🤔 How Does This Work?
The Moon Phase Calculator uses an astronomical algorithm:
Calculates the number of days since a known new moon (reference date)
Divides by the lunar cycle length (29.53059 days)
The fractional part gives the position in the current cycle
Maps position to one of the 8 phases and calculates illumination percentage
Accurate to within 1-2 days for dates within 100 years of today.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 8 moon phases?▼
New Moon (0%): moon invisible, dark sky. Waxing Crescent (1-49%): growing sliver on right. First Quarter (50%): right half lit. Waxing Gibbous (51-99%): more than half lit, growing. Full Moon (100%): fully lit. Waning Gibbous (51-99%): more than half, shrinking. Last Quarter (50%): left half lit. Waning Crescent (1-49%): shrinking sliver on left.
Why does the moon change phases?▼
The moon does not produce its own light — it reflects sunlight. As the moon orbits Earth over 29.5 days, we see different amounts of its sunlit side. At new moon, the moon is between Earth and Sun, so we see the dark side. At full moon, Earth is between Sun and Moon, so we see the fully lit side.
Does moon phase affect fishing or gardening?▼
Many traditional practices use moon phases: fishing guides suggest full/new moons when fish feed more actively near the surface. Biodynamic gardening plants root vegetables during waning moon and leafy vegetables during waxing moon. Scientific evidence for these effects is limited but many experienced practitioners swear by them.
What is a supermoon?▼
A supermoon occurs when the full moon coincides with the moon's closest approach to Earth (perigee). The moon appears up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon. This happens 3-4 times per year. The term 'supermoon' was coined in 1979 by astrologer Richard Nolle.
What is a blue moon?▼
A blue moon is either the second full moon in a calendar month (rare, hence 'once in a blue moon') or the third full moon in a season that has four full moons. Blue moons occur approximately every 2.5 years. The moon does not actually appear blue — the phrase predates the modern definition and may come from 'belewe moon' meaning betrayer moon.
New Moon (0%): moon invisible, dark sky. Waxing Crescent (1-49%): growing sliver on right. First Quarter (50%): right half lit. Waxing Gibbous (51-99%): more than half lit, growing. Full Moon (100%): fully lit. Waning Gibbous (51-99%): more than half, shrinking. Last Quarter (50%): left half lit. Waning Crescent (1-49%): shrinking sliver on left.
Why does the moon change phases?▼
The moon does not produce its own light — it reflects sunlight. As the moon orbits Earth over 29.5 days, we see different amounts of its sunlit side. At new moon, the moon is between Earth and Sun, so we see the dark side. At full moon, Earth is between Sun and Moon, so we see the fully lit side.
Does moon phase affect fishing or gardening?▼
Many traditional practices use moon phases: fishing guides suggest full/new moons when fish feed more actively near the surface. Biodynamic gardening plants root vegetables during waning moon and leafy vegetables during waxing moon. Scientific evidence for these effects is limited but many experienced practitioners swear by them.
What is a supermoon?▼
A supermoon occurs when the full moon coincides with the moon's closest approach to Earth (perigee). The moon appears up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon. This happens 3-4 times per year. The term 'supermoon' was coined in 1979 by astrologer Richard Nolle.
What is a blue moon?▼
A blue moon is either the second full moon in a calendar month (rare, hence 'once in a blue moon') or the third full moon in a season that has four full moons. Blue moons occur approximately every 2.5 years. The moon does not actually appear blue — the phrase predates the modern definition and may come from 'belewe moon' meaning betrayer moon.