First Quarter Moon
First quarter is the half-lit Moon with the bright side on the right for Northern Hemisphere observers as it waxes toward full.
Next First Quarter
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How this phase works
The Moon has traveled about one quarter of its orbit since new moon. From Earth we see a 90 degree Sun-Earth-Moon angle, so exactly half the near side is lit.
What you see in the sky
The terminator, the line between light and dark, shows craters and mountains in sharp relief. The Moon is often highest in the evening sky and bright enough to cast noticeable shadows.
Clouds and visibility
Broken clouds can drift across the face and add drama. Thick cloud hides detail. High thin cloud may soften contrast but still allows binocular views between gaps.
Moonrise and moonset
First quarter moons typically rise around midday and set around midnight. Evening hours often give the best view while the Moon sits higher in the south or southeast.
Viewing tips
Binoculars or a small telescope along the terminator reveal texture. Look east in the afternoon and south in the evening. Shield your eyes from stray lights to keep contrast.
Photography tips
Shoot the terminator with a telephoto lens or telescope adapter. Short exposures freeze cloud motion if the sky is partly cloudy. Stack frames to reduce noise.
Folklore and traditional names
Some cultures call this phase half moon rather than quarter moon because half the disk is lit. It is not the same as a crescent or gibbous stage.
Tides and other effects
Tides are weaker at quarter phases than at new or full moon because the Sun and Moon pull at a right angle. Tidal ranges are usually smaller compared with spring tide weeks.
Pick any place on Airpult to see tonight's cloud cover, hourly conditions and moonrise and moonset times.
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Frequently asked questions
When is the next first quarter moon?
The next first quarter instant is shown above in your local time, with more dates in the upcoming list.
Why is it called first quarter if half the Moon is lit?
The name marks one quarter of the lunar orbit after new moon, not the fraction of the disk that is illuminated.
Is first quarter good for telescope viewing?
Yes. Long shadows along the terminator make craters and ridges stand out, and the Moon is often well placed in the evening sky.