Sun & moon times are approximated from position and date. Real horizon, terrain, refraction, and elevation can shift observed times. All times display in your chosen zone.
Calculation details
Astronomy estimates only. Terrain, elevation, buildings, weather, atmospheric refraction, and the visible horizon can change observed rise and set times.
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Use this result
Share the current inputs or ask ChatGPT to explain the calculation in context.
What does this calculator estimate?
A sun and moon planner shows the current moon phase and celestial timing for planning. Open it to see today's phase and related data.
- Current moon phase + illumination
- Phase names from New to Full
- Useful for night sky and lunar planning
What the planner shows
The moon's phase cycles over ~29.5 days from New to Full and back. The planner reports the current phase and illumination — useful for stargazing, photography, fishing, and gardening calendars that follow lunar timing.
Limitations to watch for
Phase times are approximate and location-dependent for exact rise/set. The tool reports the phase state, not a full ephemeris. Actual illumination varies slightly from the rounded figure.
How to use it in practice
Check the phase before planning night activities — a Full Moon washes out faint stars; a New Moon is best for stargazing. Use phase trends for gardening and photo planning.
['Open the planner.', 'Read the current phase and illumination.', 'Plan activities around the phase.']
What the planner shows
The planner reports the current moon phase and celestial timing for planning: phase name, illumination, and related day/night data. It is useful for stargazing, photography, fishing, and lunar-calendar gardening.
The lunar cycle
The moon cycles through eight phases over about 29.5 days, from New to Full and back. A New Moon is dark — the best for deep-sky observing; a Full Moon is bright — best for moonlit landscape shots.
Planning around the phase
Astrophotographers target New Moon weeks for dark skies; night photographers target Full Moon for foreground light; gardeners following lunar calendars track the waxing/waning split. The planner shows where the cycle is today.
A worked example
A Full Moon reported at 98 percent illumination means roughly two nights of near-full light — prime window for moonlit portraits. A New Moon week is the dark-sky window for galaxies and meteors. The planner gives the current state and the trend.
Limits of the estimate
Phase times are approximate and location-dependent for exact rise/set. The phase state is reliable; precise times need an ephemeris for your coordinates.
How this calculator works
Formula
Shows the current moon phase and sun/moon timing data for planning: phase name, illumination, and relevant day/night timings.
Worked example
A Full Moon phase is reported with its name and approximate illumination near 100%.
Assumptions to verify
- The phase calculation uses standard lunar-cycle math.
- Location-specific rise/set times are approximate.
- The data is for planning, not navigation.
Frequently asked questions
What moon phase is it right now?
Open the planner — it shows the current phase and illumination.
How long is the lunar cycle?
About 29.5 days from New Moon to the next New Moon.
What are the 8 phases?
New, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, Waning Crescent.
Why does the Full Moon matter for stargazing?
Full moonlight washes out faint stars — New Moon nights are best for deep-sky viewing.
Is this used for gardening?
Some gardeners follow lunar planting calendars by phase — the planner shows where the cycle is.
How accurate is the phase?
Approximate — exact times vary by location; the phase state is the reliable part.
Can I plan photography around it?
Yes — moonlit landscape shots want the Full Moon; star trails want New.
What phase is the moon in now?
The planner shows the current phase and approximate illumination.
When is best for stargazing?
New Moon weeks — the darkest skies of the month.
Is the phase exact?
The state is reliable; exact rise/set times vary by location.
Cite this tool
BoringToolsKit. “Sun & Moon Planner.” boringtoolskit.com/sun-moon-planner/ (reviewed 2026-08-25). Free to reference in articles, syllabi, and answer posts with a link.
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