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How to follow the phases of the moon
You step outside for the stars and the sky is washed silver. The full moon got there first. Knowing where the moon is in its cycle tells you which nights belong to the stars, which belong to the moon, and when a thin crescent will hang over the sunset.
The phases and how to plan around them, then moon phase apps. Some anglers and gardeners plan by the moon as a tradition. This guide covers the sky, not whether the moon changes your catch or your harvest.
Learn the cycle
The moon goes from new, through waxing crescent, first quarter and waxing gibbous to full, then back through waning gibbous, last quarter and waning crescent, in about a month. Waxing means growing, waning means shrinking.
Watch the rise times
The moon rises later each day, so the full moon comes up around sunset while the last quarter rises in the middle of the night. Moon phase apps show rise and set times for where you are; compare them in moon phase apps.
Plan dark-sky nights
The darkest skies come around the new moon. Save those nights for stars and planets; see how to start stargazing with your phone and star map apps.
Set reminders
Add the full moon or a dark-sky weekend to your calendar so you do not miss it. Heading out with a rod instead? See how to go fishing for the first time.
| Phase | What you see | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| New moon | almost nothing | faint stars, the Milky Way |
| Waxing crescent | a thin sliver after sunset | sunset photos |
| First quarter | half lit | craters along the edge |
| Full moon | the whole disc | moonrise photos, night walks |
| Last quarter | half lit, before dawn | early risers |
Frequently asked questions
How long is a full moon cycle?
About a month from one new moon to the next.
When is the best time to see stars?
Around the new moon, away from city lights, when the moon is not in the sky.
Why is the moon sometimes visible in the day?
For much of its cycle the moon is above the horizon during daylight hours, so you can see it next to the sun’s glow.