Moon phase calendar

Moon Phase Calendar for Tonight

Check the current lunar phase, illumination, moonrise, moonset, and a full monthly phase calendar before you open the AR sky viewer.

May 13, 2026
Moonrise07:44 AM
Transit02:08 PM
Moonset08:44 PM
Illumination12.8%
Age26.1 days
Visual magnitude-7.7
Size32.3′
Altitude / Azimuth12° / 269°

Waning Crescent

Monthly Moon phase calendar

Tap any date to inspect that night’s Moon phase in the large view above.

May 2026
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat

How to use the Moon phase calendar

Start with the large current view to check today’s phase and illumination. Use the arrows to move day by day, or tap a date in the monthly calendar.

Why Moon illumination matters

A bright Moon reduces contrast for faint stars, meteor showers, and the Milky Way. New Moon and thin crescent nights are usually better for faint targets.

Use the Moon with AR

If the Moon is visible or a bright object is near it, open the AR viewer with the Moon selected and compare the calculated marker with the real sky.

Frequently asked questions

Short answers for common skywatching questions before opening the AR viewer.

Does the Moon phase change every day?

Yes. The Moon moves through a cycle of about 29.5 days, so illumination and shape change from night to night.

Which Moon phase is best for faint stars?

New Moon and thin crescent phases are usually best because moonlight is weaker.

Can I use this calendar with AR?

Yes. Check the date, then open AR with the Moon selected to compare its marker with the real sky.

Open the Moon in AR

Compare the current Moon position with your camera and live sky map.

View Moon in AR