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Moon phases
The Moon does not shine by itself. We see the part the Sun lights up, and it changes over 29.5 days from new moon through full moon back to new moon. Here are the eight moon phases and the lunar calendar for the coming year.
Moon phase today
The Moon today (approximately): –
The eight moon phases
New Moon
The Moon lies between the Earth and the Sun. It shows us its unlit side, so we cannot see it.
Waxing crescent
In the evening a thin crescent appears low in the west, lit on the right in the northern hemisphere.
First Quarter
A week after new moon the right half is bright. In the evening the Moon is in the south.
Waxing gibbous
More than half is lit. The Moon rises in the afternoon and is visible for half the night.
Full Moon
The whole side is lit. The Moon rises at sunset and shines all night.
Waning gibbous
The lit area shrinks, now from the right. The Moon rises later in the evening.
Last Quarter
The left half is bright. The Moon rises at midnight and is in the south in the morning.
Waning crescent
Before sunrise a thin crescent stands low in the east, lit on the left.
Lunar calendar: new moon and full moon over the next 12 months
Times in Swiss time (CET or CEST), calculated, as of 19 October 2026.
| New Moon | First Quarter | Full Moon | Last Quarter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 10 Oct, 17:51 | Sun 18 Oct, 18:15 | Mon 26 Oct, 05:14 | Sun 1 Nov, 21:28 |
| Mon 9 Nov, 08:03 | Tue 17 Nov, 12:50 | Tue 24 Nov, 15:57 | Tue 1 Dec, 07:07 |
| Wed 9 Dec, 01:53 | Thu 17 Dec, 06:46 | Thu 24 Dec, 02:31 | Wed 30 Dec, 19:59 |
| Thu 7 Jan, 21:26 | Fri 15 Jan, 21:38 | Fri 22 Jan, 13:17 | Fri 29 Jan, 11:55 |
| Sat 6 Feb, 16:58 | Sun 14 Feb, 09:01 | Sun 21 Feb, 00:22 | Sun 28 Feb, 06:16 |
| Mon 8 Mar, 10:31 | Mon 15 Mar, 17:27 | Mon 22 Mar, 11:44 | Tue 30 Mar, 02:54 |
| Wed 7 Apr, 01:53 | Wed 14 Apr, 00:58 | Wed 21 Apr, 00:28 | Wed 28 Apr, 22:18 |
| Thu 6 May, 13:00 | Thu 13 May, 06:45 | Thu 20 May, 12:59 | Fri 28 May, 15:58 |
| Fri 4 Jun, 21:42 | Fri 11 Jun, 12:57 | Sat 19 Jun, 02:43 | Sun 27 Jun, 06:55 |
| Sun 4 Jul, 05:04 | Sat 10 Jul, 20:40 | Sun 18 Jul, 17:46 | Mon 26 Jul, 18:56 |
| Mon 2 Aug, 12:07 | Mon 9 Aug, 06:55 | Tue 17 Aug, 09:32 | Wed 25 Aug, 04:28 |
| Tue 31 Aug, 19:43 | Tue 7 Sept, 20:33 | Thu 16 Sept, 01:06 | Thu 23 Sept, 12:21 |
| Thu 30 Sept, 04:38 | Thu 7 Oct, 13:50 | Fri 15 Oct, 15:49 | Fri 22 Oct, 19:30 |
Frequently asked questions about the moon phases
How many moon phases are there?
There are four main phases: new moon, first quarter, full moon and last quarter. In between come the waxing and waning crescents and the waxing and waning gibbous moon, eight pictures in all.
How long is a lunar cycle from full moon to full moon?
On average 29.5 days pass from one full moon to the next. This is the synodic month, from which our calendar month descends.
When is the next full moon?
The next full moon is on 26 October 2026 at 05:14 (Swiss time).
When is the next new moon?
The next new moon is on 9 November 2026 at 08:03 (Swiss time).
Why do we always see the same side of the Moon?
The Moon turns once on its axis in exactly the time it takes to go round the Earth once. That is why it always shows us the same side.
How can I tell whether the Moon is waxing or waning?
In the northern hemisphere the Moon is waxing when the right side is lit and waning when the left side is lit.
Read on
- Lunar and solar eclipses: the next dates
- The Moon: fact file with map
- shooting stars
- The Solar System for kids
▶ See the moon phases in the 3D model ▶ See the Moon in the 3D model
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