Moon Phases and Times of Day

Earth and Moon Orbit Direction

Counterclockwise (looking down on Earth's North Pole).

Moon Rise and Set Horizons

Rises on the eastern horizon and sets on the western horizon.

Moon's Highest Point

High in the sky, roughly between rising and setting.

Basic Phase Order

New -> Waxing Crescent -> First Quarter -> Waxing Gibbous -> Full -> Waning Gibbous -> Third Quarter -> Waning Crescent -> New.

Waxing Meaning

The illuminated portion we see is growing.

Waning Meaning

The illuminated portion we see is shrinking.

Core Rule for Moon Times

Rises about 6 hours before highest point and sets about 6 hours after.

New Moon Times

Rises at 6 AM, highest at 12 PM, sets at 6 PM.

First Quarter Moon Times

Rises at 12 PM, highest at 6 PM, sets at 12 AM.

Full Moon Times

Rises at 6 PM, highest at 12 AM, sets at 6 AM.

Third Quarter Moon Times

Rises at 12 AM, highest at 6 AM, sets at 12 PM.

Waxing Crescent Times

Rises at 9 AM, highest at 3 PM, sets at 9 PM.

Waxing Gibbous Times

Rises at 3 PM, highest at 9 PM, sets at 3 AM.

Waning Gibbous Times

Rises at 9 PM, highest at 3 AM, sets at 9 AM.

Waning Crescent Times

Rises at 3 AM, highest at 9 AM, sets at 3 PM.

Estimating Rise Time

Subtract about 6 hours from the highest point time.

Estimating Set Time

Add about 6 hours to the highest point time.

Schedule Shift Between Major Phases

About 6 hours.

Schedule Shift Between All Phase Steps

About 3 hours.