About Our Moon Calendar

Lunation

The complete cycle of moon phases begins with the new moon and ends with the next new moon. Lunation has an average duration of 29.5 hours.

New Moon

The moon is not visible in the sky. Except during a solar eclipse!

Waxing Crescent

The moon is less than one-half illuminated by the sun but less than one quarter illuminated. The waxing crescent occurs when the moon illumination is increasing.

First Quarter

The moon is one-half illuminated by the sun. The first quarter occurs when the moon illumination is increasing.

Waxing Gibbous

The moon is more than one-half, but not completely, illuminated by the sun. The waxing gibbous occurs when the moon illumination is increasing.

Full Moon

The moon is totally visible in the sky. Except during a lunar eclipse!

Waning Gibbous

The moon is more than one-half, but not completely, illuminated by the sun. The waning gibbous occurs when the moon illumination is decreasing.

Last Quarter

The moon is one-half illuminated by the sun. The last quarter occurs when the moon illumination is decreasing.

Waning Crescent

The moon is less than one-half, but less than one quarter illuminated by the sun. The waning crescent occurs when the moon illumination is decreasing.