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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, 2026
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, 2026
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, 2026
What is a waning gibbous moon?
The waning gibbous moon falls between the full and last quarter moon. Watch for it to rise late at night. Or see it in the west in the morning.
January 1, 2026
What is a new moon? It rises and sets with the sun
The new moon generally can't be seen, except during a solar eclipse. The moon crosses the sky with the sun during the day, and its shadow side faces Earth.
January 1, 2026
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, 2026
Do you sleep less before a full moon? Research says yes
A new study shows that - whether you live in a rural or urban environment - you might sleep less before a full moon.
September 27, 2025
Lunar occultation of Mars on January 13, 2025. Images here!
The full Wolf Moon passed in front of red Mars for some observers last night. Here are some great images of the lunar occultation of Mars.
January 14, 2025
Black Moon coming on December 30-31
We'll have a Black Moon - the second new moon in a calendar month - overnight from December 30 to 31, 2024. Here's what you'll see that night.
December 29, 2024
2024’s biggest eclipse MISS happens January 11
January's new moon will be the biggest eclipse miss of 2024, an ultra-thin crescent not nearly aligned closely enough with the sun for a solar eclipse.
January 10, 2024
