Next major phase countdown

Next: First Quarter • 4:12 AM

90:19:06

Status: Live

Phase: Waxing Crescent

Illumination: 14%

Age: 3.6 days

Moon phase settings

DateHourMinute

LiveSoundFinal beeps

Shortcuts: F fullscreen, Esc exit

Checked at

Sat, Jul 18, 2026, 9:53 AM

NewFirst QuarterFullLast QuarterNew

Cycle position: 12%

Previous major

New Moon: Tue, Jul 14, 2026, 7:01 PM

Next major

First Quarter: Wed, Jul 22, 2026, 4:12 AM

This is a fast lunar-cycle estimate designed for a clock experience.

Moon Phase Clock

See the current moon phase, illumination, moon age, and upcoming major phase in a live display.

How it works

The Moon Phase Clock is a fast, clean way to answer a few practical questions without digging through menus or calendars: What phase is the moon right now, how bright is it, how many days into the lunar cycle are we, and when does the next major phase happen in your local time.

The main display is intentionally dominant. It shows a big countdown to the next major phase, plus a compact set of facts underneath: phase name, illumination percentage, and moon age in days. The top line tells you what is coming next, for example Next: Full Moon · 8:14 PM. When the event is close, the card can highlight that urgency so you do not miss it while the page is open.

Two modes keep the tool simple. Live mode updates continuously and is meant for “what is happening now” and “how long until the next major phase.” Manual mode lets you pick a date and time to check the phase details for that moment. Editing Date, Hour, or Minute switches you to Manual automatically, and Now returns you to Live.

Live phaseIlluminationAge (days)Next major phaseFullscreenSoundManual lookup

Quick use (what most people do)

1) Leave Live on to track the countdown and see today’s phase details update.
2) Read the Next line for the upcoming major phase and the estimated local time.
3) Go Fullscreen if you want a room-readable display.
4) If you are checking another moment, edit Date, Hour, or Minute and the page switches to Manual.
5) Use Now to return to Live instantly.

What the page is calculating for you

The tool tracks where you are in the lunar cycle and derives a readable phase label from that position. From the same cycle position it estimates illumination (shown as a percent) and moon age (days since the last New Moon). It also finds the next boundary among the four major phases and displays an estimated local timestamp plus a countdown.

Practical checklist

If you only care about today, keep Live on.
If you are checking a past or future moment, edit date/time and stay in Manual.
If you need a display across the room, go fullscreen first.
If you want an audio heads-up near the event, enable Sound and optionally Final beeps.
If you are planning across places, convert time zones with Time Zone Converter.

Quick keys: F fullscreen, Esc exit.

Related: compare with Sunrise Sunset Clock or Astronomical Clock.

What each value means on this page

The display is built around the four major phases because they are the most useful anchors for planning and quick checks. Those phases are New Moon, First Quarter, Full Moon, and Last Quarter. The tool also shows the in-between labels (waxing and waning crescents and gibbous phases) so you get a descriptive name for the current moment, not only the major checkpoints.

Illumination is shown as a percentage so you can quickly interpret “how bright” without mental math. The number is most intuitive around common points in the cycle. Near New Moon you will often see single digits like 2% to 8%. Near First Quarter it trends around 50%. Near Full Moon it climbs toward 95%+. The tool is meant to be readable and consistent, so it favors a stable, smooth estimate rather than a noisy presentation.

Moon age is the estimated days since the last New Moon. You will see it in a format like 9.6 days. Age is useful because it gives you a simple “where are we” number that works well in Manual mode. For example, a manual check might show 14.8 days around a Full Moon window, while a check shortly after New Moon might show 1.2 days.

Scenarios with concrete examples (what you will see here)

The examples below are designed to look like real “screen moments.” They include the kinds of numbers this page shows: phase label, illumination percent, age in days, and a countdown to the next major phase. Your displayed values will differ based on the date and time, but the structure and interpretation stays consistent.

Scenario 1: Quick daily check before you head out

You want an at-a-glance snapshot, not a deep dive.

Mode: Live Typical screen values: - Phase: Waxing Crescent - Illumination: 18% - Age: 5.3 days - Next: First Quarter · 6:42 PM - Countdown: 3:12:09 How you use it: - You glance once, you know it is early-cycle and getting brighter. - If you want the next major phase time, it is already in local time.

Scenario 2: Fullscreen display on a second monitor

You want a big countdown to the next major phase.

Mode: Live + Fullscreen Typical screen values: - Next: Full Moon · 9:18 PM - Countdown: 14:07:32 - Phase chip: Waxing Gibbous - Illumination: 84% - Age: 12.4 days How you use it: - Keep it open while you work. - If the countdown gets close, the card highlights urgency.

Scenario 3: Manual lookup for a specific date and time

You are checking a moment you care about, not “right now.”

Mode: Manual Inputs: - Date: 2026-06-15 - Hour: 21 - Minute: 30 Example output values: - Phase: Waning Gibbous - Illumination: 73% - Age: 17.2 days - Next: Last Quarter · 3:05 AM How you use it: - You can compare two different dates by changing only the date field. - Use Now to return to Live when you are done.

Scenario 4: You want a sound heads-up near the phase change

Audio can help when the page is open in the background.

Mode: Live Sound: On Final beeps: On Near-event behavior you may notice: - At 00:00:05 left: short beep - At 00:00:04 left: short beep - At 00:00:03 left: short beep - At 00:00:02 left: short beep - At 00:00:01 left: short beep Tip: - If you hear nothing, click Now once after enabling Sound to unlock audio.

Scenario 5: Planning across time zones

The phase time is local. Use conversion when needed.

Mode: Live Example: - Next: New Moon · 11:26 AM (your local time) If you need to share it with someone elsewhere: - Convert 11:26 AM in your time zone to their time zone using Time Zone Converter. Fast link: - /time-zone-converter

Scenario 6: When this page is not the right tool

Use the closest match to your actual goal.

If you need sunrise and sunset times alongside this: - Use Sunrise Sunset Clock (/sunrise-sunset-clock) If you want a broader sky-style time display: - Use Astronomical Clock (/astronomical-clock) If you need a countdown to a custom event: - Use Event Countdown (/event-countdown)

Live versus Manual: what to choose

Choose Live when the question is “what is happening now” or “how long until the next major phase.” Choose Manual when you care about a specific moment, such as checking a date for planning or comparing two times in the same day. Manual mode is also useful when you want a steady display for notes without it shifting under you.

If your goal is timekeeping accuracy rather than lunar phase, compare with Atomic Clock or UTC Clock.

Related tools (same site, different job)

Use the closest match to what you are trying to do.

Shortcut set: F Esc

Sunrise Sunset Clock →Astronomical Clock →Golden Hour Clock →Current Local Time →World Clock →Time Zone Converter →Event Countdown →Atomic Clock →

Technical details (lunar model, timestamps, sound, and limits)

Optional notes about behavior and expectations

▼

Lightweight lunar-cycle estimate

The page uses a fast synodic-month cycle model anchored to a reference New Moon timestamp. It computes the cycle fraction, then derives a phase label, an illumination estimate, and moon age in days. Major phase times are computed by finding the next quarter-step boundary in that cycle.

This is designed for a smooth clock experience and everyday planning. It is not intended to replace specialized ephemeris data used for scientific observation.

Local time formatting

The “Next” and “Previous” timestamps are displayed in your local time using your browser’s locale and time zone. If your device clock or time zone is misconfigured, displayed times will follow your device settings.

If you are coordinating across places, use Time Zone Converter to translate the phase time for someone else.

Sound and browser restrictions

Sound uses WebAudio. Many browsers require a user gesture before audio can play. Turning Sound on and clicking Now once is a reliable way to unlock audio for the session.

Final beeps is a near-event alert in Live mode. If you do not want any audio, turn Sound off.

Fullscreen and keyboard focus

Fullscreen uses the browser fullscreen API and may require a click or keypress. Keyboard shortcut handling is attached to the card, so click the display once if F does nothing.

Esc exits fullscreen immediately.

Want daylight timing too? Use Sunrise Sunset Clock alongside this page.

Need a countdown to your own event? Use Event Countdown.

In one sentence: this moon phase clock shows today’s moon phase, illumination estimate, and moon age, plus a live countdown and local time for the next major phase, with fullscreen display, sound options, and manual date and time lookups.

Keyboard shortcuts

Click the moon phase card once, then use the shortcuts below. Shortcuts won’t trigger while you’re typing in a date or time input.

Key	Action
`F`	Toggle fullscreen for the moon phase display
`Esc`	Exit fullscreen

Tip: if shortcuts do nothing, the card probably isn’t focused. Click the display once, then try again.

Common scenarios

Live phase, illumination estimate, moon age, and a big countdown to the next major phase. Switch to Manual to check a specific date and time.

See today’s moon phase instantly

Open the page and get the current phase label, illumination estimate, and moon age in one view, with a clear “checked at” timestamp.

For

Anyone who wants a quick, no-noise snapshot of the moon’s current state.

Not for

You need a full astronomy dashboard or star chart. Use Astronomical Clock for more sky-style context.

Astronomical Clock →

Track the next major phase time in local time

The display shows what major phase is coming next and the estimated local time it occurs, plus a big countdown you can keep running.

For

Anyone planning around the next New Moon or Full Moon and wanting the time in their own time zone.

Not for

You need a precise timekeeping reference instead of a lunar phase estimate. Use Atomic Clock.

Atomic Clock →

Plan a casual skywatching or photo note

Use the phase label and illumination estimate as a quick context check before a moonrise walk, casual skywatching plan, or photo scouting note.

For

Students, hobbyists, photographers, and anyone who wants moon context alongside the current local date and time.

Not for

You need weather, visibility, or horizon conditions. This page only estimates the lunar phase and timing.

Current Local Time →Golden Hour Clock →

Fullscreen countdown for a room display

Go fullscreen for a large, readable countdown with the next phase name and time. Useful on a spare monitor or TV.

For

Anyone who wants a big on-screen countdown to the next major phase.

Not for

You need a countdown to a custom event time. Use Event Countdown instead.

Event Countdown →

Look up the moon phase for a specific date and time

Switch to Manual by editing the date, hour, and minute. The page updates to show phase label, illumination, age, and the next major phase relative to that moment.

For

Anyone checking a past or future moment without leaving the page.

Not for

You are converting times across time zones. Use Time Zone Converter.

Time Zone Converter →

Get a simple “where are we in the cycle” view

Use the phase position bar to see cycle progress at a glance, plus the previous and next major phase timestamps for context.

For

Anyone who wants a quick sense of lunar cycle position without extra controls.

Not for

You want a different clock style or representation. Use another clock page instead.

Digital Clock →Minimalist Clock →

Pair moon phase with day and light timing

Use Moon Phase Clock alongside sunrise and sunset times when planning timing around daylight, especially when you want both views open.

For

Anyone who likes having moon phase and daylight timing on separate, simple pages.

Not for

You need multiple locations at once. Use World Clock for side-by-side places.

Sunrise Sunset Clock →World Clock →

Tip: For a clean display, keep Live on and go fullscreen with F. If you want to check another moment, edit the date and time to switch to Manual, then click Now to return to Live.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this Moon Phase Clock show?

It shows the current moon phase (label), an illumination estimate, moon age in days, and a big live countdown to the next major phase (New Moon, First Quarter, Full Moon, or Last Quarter).

What is the countdown counting down to?

The countdown is to the next major phase boundary. The “Next” line shows which major phase is coming up and the estimated local time it occurs.

How do I switch between Live and Manual?

Live updates continuously. If you edit the date, hour, or minute, the page switches to Manual automatically. To return to Live, click Now (and optionally keep Live toggled on).

How do I check the moon phase for a specific date and time?

Turn Live off or just edit the Date, Hour, and Minute fields. The display updates immediately and shows the phase label, illumination, age, and the next major phase relative to that moment.

What does illumination mean here?

Illumination is an estimate of how much of the moon’s face is lit, shown as a percentage. It updates as the lunar cycle progresses.

What does moon age mean?

Moon age is the estimated number of days since the last New Moon. It’s shown to one decimal place for quick comparison.

What are “major phases”?

Major phases are the four main points in the cycle: New Moon, First Quarter, Full Moon, and Last Quarter. This page counts down to the next one.

How do I go fullscreen?

Click Fullscreen or press F after clicking the clock once so shortcuts are active. Press Esc to exit fullscreen.

What do Sound and Final beeps do?

Sound toggles audio on or off. Final beeps adds short beeps close to the next major phase when you want a heads-up. Final beeps only runs in Live mode.

Why didn’t I hear any sound?

Many browsers require a user action before audio can play. Turn Sound on, then click Now once to unlock audio. Also confirm your device volume is not muted.

Why aren’t keyboard shortcuts working?

Click the clock card once to focus it, then try again. Shortcuts are ignored when you’re typing in an input field. In fullscreen, Esc also exits fullscreen.

What are the keyboard shortcuts?

F: fullscreen · Esc: exit fullscreen

Tip: click the clock once so it captures keyboard input.

Which related tool should I use instead?

Want sunrise and sunset times too? Sunrise Sunset Clock. Want a broader sky-style display? Astronomical Clock. Need time in other locations? World Clock. Converting across zones? Time Zone Converter.

How accurate is this?

It’s a fast lunar-cycle estimate designed for a smooth clock experience. It is useful for everyday planning and quick checks, but it is not intended to replace specialized ephemeris data.

Moon phase clock at a glance

Live phase + illumination + moon age • Big countdown to the next major phase • Fullscreen • Sound + optional final beeps • Manual date/time lookup

▼

A clean live view of today’s moon phase with a big countdown to the next major phase. See the current phase label, illumination estimate, and moon age at a glance. Use fullscreen for a wall display, and switch to Manual if you want to check a specific date and time.

Live countdown. A big, readable timer to the next major phase (New Moon, First Quarter, Full Moon, Last Quarter).

Phase details. Current phase name, illumination percentage, and moon age in days.

Fullscreen mode. One click for a clean, room-readable display with a top control bar and bottom status line.

Sound alerts. Toggle sound on/off. Optionally enable final beeps near the event when you want a heads-up.

Manual lookup. Pick a date, hour, and minute to see the phase details for that moment. Editing switches you to Manual automatically.

Phase position bar. Quick visual of where you are in the current lunar cycle.

Quick use

1) Live view: keep Live on to track today’s phase and the next major phase time.
2) Fullscreen: click Fullscreen or press F for a big display.
3) Manual check: change the date/time to check another moment, then use Now to return to Live.

Best for

Planning: see when the next New Moon or Full Moon happens in your local time.
Quick checks: phase, illumination, and age without digging through menus.
A display mode: fullscreen countdown you can read across the room.
Reference lookups: check the phase for a specific date and time in Manual.

Related tools

Want sunrise and sunset times too? Sunrise Sunset Clock.

Want more “sky” context in one view? Astronomical Clock.

Need local time for a different place? World Clock.

Converting meeting times across zones? Time Zone Converter.

How it works, shortcuts, and notes▼

Keyboard shortcuts

F: fullscreen
Esc: exit fullscreen

Tip: click the clock card once so shortcuts are captured.

Model notes

Phase, illumination, and major-phase times are computed from a lightweight lunar-cycle estimate for a smooth clock experience.

Manual mode uses the date and time you enter in your local time zone, then computes the estimated cycle position for that moment.

Sound behavior

Sound only runs in Live mode. If Final beeps are enabled, the page plays short beeps near the end of the countdown. Use the Now button after turning sound on to unlock audio on browsers that require interaction.

Tip. For a clean display, go fullscreen and keep Live on. If you only want to look something up, switch to Manual and set the specific date and time.