Moon phase today
The current phase of the Moon, how much of it is lit and when the next full moon and new moon are. Calculated live, with times in your time zone.
Times: United Kingdom Time
The Moon now
- Illumination100%
- Moon age15.1 days
- Distance from Earth370,400 km
Next phases
- Full moonMon, October 26 at 04:11
- Last quarterSun, November 1 at 20:28
- New moonMon, November 9 at 07:02
- First quarterTue, November 17 at 11:48
Moon phases: October 2026
How the Moon phases work
A full cycle, from new moon to new moon, takes 29.5 days on average. For the first two weeks the lit part grows (the Moon is waxing), then it shrinks (the Moon is waning).
The Sun always lights half of the Moon, and from Earth we see that half from a changing angle. At new moon the lit side faces away from us, at full moon it faces us directly.
The Moon’s distance from Earth changes during the month, from about 356,000 to 407,000 km. A full moon near the closest point is called a supermoon: it looks slightly bigger and brighter than usual.
In the Southern Hemisphere the Moon looks upside down: a waxing crescent is lit on the left, not the right.
FAQ
How long is the Moon phase cycle?
On average 29 days, 12 hours and 44 minutes. This is the synodic month, counted from new moon to new moon. Single cycles can be a few hours shorter or longer.
What is the difference between a full moon and a new moon?
At full moon the Moon is on the opposite side of Earth from the Sun and we see the whole lit face. At new moon it sits between Earth and the Sun with its dark side towards us, so we cannot see it.
How can I tell if the Moon is waxing or waning?
In the Northern Hemisphere, if the right side is lit the Moon is waxing, if the left side is lit it is waning. A waxing Moon is seen in the evening, a waning Moon before dawn.
What is a supermoon?
A full moon that happens near perigee, the Moon’s closest point to Earth. It can look up to about 14% bigger and 30% brighter than a full moon at the farthest point of the orbit.
Calculated by Zenitmap: Sun and Moon with SunCalc, new and full moon with J. Meeus's algorithm, meteor showers from the International Meteor Organization (IMO) calendar.