Moon at First Quarter
Friday, September 18, 2026
The Moon reaches first quarter phase – appearing high in the sky at sunset and remaining visible until around midnight.
Moon at First Quarter
The Moon reaches first quarter phase – appearing high in the sky at sunset and remaining visible until around midnight.
What Is a Moon Phase?
A Moon phase describes how much of the Moon’s sunlit side is visible from Earth.
As the Moon orbits Earth, the angle between the Sun, Moon, and Earth changes, creating phases such as new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter.
Moon phases affect night-sky brightness and can strongly influence observing conditions.
Why Moon Phases Matter for Observing
Bright Moon phases can wash out faint stars, galaxies, and nebulae.
New Moon periods are usually better for deep-sky observing and astrophotography.
Quarter phases can be excellent for lunar observing because shadows highlight craters, mountains, and surface detail.
How To Use Moon Phases When Planning
- Use new Moon dates for dark-sky deep-sky observing.
- Use quarter Moon phases for detailed lunar observing.
- Avoid bright Moon nights when targeting faint galaxies or nebulae.
- Check moonrise and moonset times, not just the phase.
- Plan targets on the opposite side of the sky from the Moon when possible.
How To Plan Around This Event
Use this event as a planning marker, then confirm your local weather, cloud cover, Moon conditions, and horizon visibility before observing.
Ephemeris can help you compare this event with your local observing forecast, tonight's visible targets, and your saved telescope rigs.
Common Questions About Moon at First Quarter
When does Moon at First Quarter occur?
Moon at First Quarter is listed for September 18, 2026.
Can I observe this event from my location?
Visibility depends on your location, local weather, horizon, and timing. Check the event visibility notes and compare them with your local forecast.
What equipment should I use?
Recommended equipment for this type of event: Naked eye, binoculars, or telescope.