🌙 Lunar Phase Calculator - Track Moon Phases

Find out the current moon phase and track the phases of the moon for any date. Our lunar phase calculator shows moon illumination percentage, phase names, and helps you align with the natural 29.5-day lunar cycle in your time zone.

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What is a Lunar Phase Calculator?

A lunar phase calculator is a tool that shows you the current phase of the moon and helps you track the phases of the moon throughout the 29.5-day lunar cycle. The moon orbits Earth in approximately 29.5 days, during which it goes through eight distinct phases based on how much of the moon is illuminated by the sun from our perspective on Earth.

This calculator automatically adjusts for your time zone, ensuring you see accurate moon phase information for your location. Whether you're planning rituals, gardening by lunar cycles, or simply curious about tonight's moon, this tool helps you find out exactly where we are in the current lunar cycle.

Understanding the 29.5-Day Moon Cycle

The moon completes one full orbit around Earth every 29.5 days (more precisely, 29.53 days). During this time, the amount of the moon illuminated that we can see from Earth changes gradually, creating the phases of the moon we observe.

🌑 Days 0-3: New Moon

Moon is 0% illuminated. Not visible as it's between Earth and Sun.

🌓 Days 7-8: First Quarter

Moon is 50% illuminated. Half the moon is visible.

🌕 Days 14-16: Full Moon

Moon is 100% illuminated. Earth is between Sun and Moon.

🌗 Days 22-23: Last Quarter

Moon is 50% illuminated again, but opposite side visible.

The 8 Phases of the Moon Explained

As the moon orbits Earth, we see different amounts of the moon illuminated. Here are the eight phases of the moon and what they mean for manifestation and spiritual work:

🌑 New Moon (0% illuminated)

The beginning of the lunar cycle. Perfect for setting intentions, starting new projects, and planting seeds for the future. The moon is completely dark.

🌒 Waxing Crescent (1-49% illuminated)

Energy is building. Take inspired action on your goals. The first sliver of the moon becomes visible. Stay committed and trust the process.

🌓 First Quarter (50% illuminated)

A time of challenge and decision-making. Half the moon is illuminated. Push through obstacles with determination and adjust your course as needed.

🌔 Waxing Gibbous (51-99% illuminated)

Refinement phase. More than half the moon is illuminated. Fine-tune your plans, practice patience, and prepare for the peak energy of the Full Moon.

🌕 Full Moon (100% illuminated)

Peak illumination and manifestation. The entire moon is visible and fully illuminated. Celebrate achievements, perform release rituals, and let go of what no longer serves you.

🌖 Waning Gibbous (99-51% illuminated)

Time for gratitude and sharing wisdom. The moon is still mostly illuminated but decreasing. Reflect on lessons learned and give back to your community.

🌗 Last Quarter (50% illuminated)

Release and forgive. Half the moon illuminated again, opposite side. Let go of old patterns, habits, and beliefs that hold you back. Create space for new beginnings.

🌘 Waning Crescent (49-1% illuminated)

Rest, restore, and surrender. Just a sliver of the moon remains visible. This is a time for deep reflection, meditation, and preparing for the next New Moon cycle.

How to Use This Lunar Phase Calculator

1️⃣

Find Out Today's Moon Phase

The calculator automatically shows you the current moon phase for today. You'll see the moon illuminated percentage (0-100%) and the exact phase name.

2️⃣

Check Any Date in the Lunar Cycle

Select any past or future date to see what phase the moon was or will be in. Perfect for planning rituals, events, or understanding past experiences during specific moon phases.

3️⃣

Your Time Zone is Automatic

The calculator automatically detects your time zone and shows accurate moon phase information for your location. No manual settings needed!

4️⃣

Track the Complete 29.5-Day Cycle

Use this tool throughout the entire lunar cycle to understand where you are in the moon's journey. Watch as the illuminated percentage changes each day through all eight phases.

How to Work with the Phases of the Moon

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New Moon Ritual (0% illuminated)

Write down 3-10 intentions for the coming lunar cycle. Be specific and positive. Light a candle and visualize your goals manifesting over the next 29.5 days.

Waxing Moon Action (1-99% illuminated and growing)

Take daily action toward your goals as the moon illuminated percentage increases. This is the time for productivity, networking, and forward momentum. Build energy as the moon grows fuller.

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Full Moon Release (100% illuminated)

Write what you want to release on paper when the moon is fully illuminated. Safely burn it or tear it up. Take a cleansing bath with salt or perform a full moon meditation to harness the peak lunar energy.

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Waning Moon Rest (99-1% illuminated and decreasing)

Slow down, reflect, and recharge as the moon illuminated percentage decreases. Journal, meditate, and prepare for the next 29.5-day cycle. Honor your need for rest during this phase.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is this lunar phase calculator?

This calculator uses precise astronomical algorithms to calculate the moon's position and illumination percentage. It's accurate to within minutes and automatically adjusts for your time zone, giving you reliable moon phase information.

Why does the lunar cycle take 29.5 days?

The moon takes 29.5 days (29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes) to complete one orbit around Earth and return to the same phase. This is called a synodic month or lunar month, and it's the time from one new moon to the next.

What does "moon illuminated percentage" mean?

The moon illuminated percentage (0-100%) tells you how much of the moon's surface visible from Earth is lit by the sun. 0% = New Moon (dark), 50% = Quarter Moon (half lit), 100% = Full Moon (completely lit).

Can I use this to find out moon phases in different time zones?

Yes! While the calculator automatically uses your current time zone, the moon phase is the same worldwide at any given moment. The only difference is the local time when phase transitions occur.

How often do the phases of the moon change?

The moon moves through all eight phases over 29.5 days. Each major phase (New, First Quarter, Full, Last Quarter) lasts about 3-4 days, while the moon illuminated percentage changes gradually every day.

Get Personalized Moon Rituals

Receive customized lunar phase guidance based on your birth chart. Get daily moon insights and ritual recommendations delivered to your inbox, perfectly timed to the 29.5-day lunar cycle.

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