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May full moon is the Flower Moon
The May full moon occurs near mid-day today, May 5. The moon looks full on the overnights of May 4, 5, and 6. Learn more about the Flower Moon.
May 5, 2023
Young moon on April 20: Will you see it under a day old?
Occasionally you get the chance to look for a very young moon, less than 24 hours old. Those in North America, may see one just after sunset on April 20.
April 20, 2023
April full moon – the Pink Moon – falls on April 5-6
The April 2023 full moon – overnight on April 5-6 – is the Pink Moon and lies near the star Spica in the constellation Virgo. Find star charts here.
April 5, 2023
What is a new moon?
A new moon generally can't be seen, except during a solar eclipse. They cross the sky with the sun during the day. The moon's shadow side is toward Earth.
January 2, 2023
What is a full moon?
The full moon, opposite the sun in its orbit, shows us its sunlit side. The moon appears full a couple of days before and after the exact moment of full moon.
January 1, 2023
What is a waxing crescent moon?
A waxing crescent moon shines in the west after sunset, first visible a day or two after new moon with earthshine. It sets after the sun after sunset.
January 1, 2023
What is a last quarter moon?
The last quarter moon appears a week after full moon and a week before new moon. The moon appears half-lit, like half a pie.
January 1, 2023
First quarter moon appears half-illuminated
The first quarter moon is halfway between new and full moon. Half of the moon is illuminated and it's a quarter of the way through it's orbit around the Earth.
January 1, 2023
4 keys to understanding moon phases
As the moon orbits Earth, we see varying fractions of its lighted face. These are the changing phases of the moon. Read four tips to understanding moon phases.
January 1, 2023
What is a waxing gibbous moon?
A waxing gibbous moon is in the sky before it's dark and lights up the early evening. It's more than half lighted, but not quite full. It sets after midnight.
January 1, 2023
