Phase 3 of 8 🌓
First Quarter Moon
Half the disk is lit — the right half in the northern hemisphere — as the Moon completes the first quarter of its trip around Earth.
Tonight's Moon is a First Quarter — 31% illuminated, 5.6 days old. See it in tonight's sky →
What a first quarter is
The name confuses everyone at least once: the first quarter Moon looks exactly half lit. The “quarter” refers not to the shape but to the journey — the Moon has completed one quarter of its orbit since new moon, about 7.4 days into the cycle. From the northern hemisphere the lit half is the right side; from the southern hemisphere, the left.
Through binoculars or a small telescope this is arguably the best night of the month. Along the terminator — the line dividing lunar day from night — the Sun is rising over the Moon’s surface at a grazing angle, throwing long shadows off crater rims and mountain ranges. Detail that vanishes at full moon stands out in sharp relief.
When & where to see it
A first quarter Moon rises around local noon and sets around midnight. That makes it perfectly placed for evening viewing: it is already high in the sky at sunset and dominates the first half of the night before setting in the west around midnight.
It is also an easy daytime Moon — look for the half disk in the eastern sky through the afternoon.
Exact rise and set times depend on where you stand — check moonrise & moonset for your location.
Upcoming first quarter dates
| Date (UTC) | Time (UTC) |
|---|---|
| Tue, July 21, 2026 | 11:17 |
| Thu, August 20, 2026 | 02:18 |
| Fri, September 18, 2026 | 19:46 |
| Sun, October 18, 2026 | 14:34 |
| Tue, November 17, 2026 | 09:05 |
| Thu, December 17, 2026 | 01:50 |
Computed from lunar geometry (UTC). For any specific date, try the moon phase calculator.
First Quarter meaning
In the symbolic reading, first quarter is the phase of decision and action — halfway to full, when the initial ease of a new project meets its first obstacles and requires commitment to push through. More on moon phase meanings →
Frequently Asked
Why is it called a first quarter moon when it looks half full?
The “quarter” describes the orbit, not the shape: the Moon has travelled one quarter of the way around Earth since new moon. Visually, exactly half the disk is lit.
What time does the first quarter moon rise and set?
It rises around noon and sets around midnight, so it is high and well placed in the evening sky just after sunset.
Is the first quarter moon good for telescopes?
Excellent — the terminator crosses the middle of the disk and low sun angles throw crater shadows into sharp relief. Many observers rate it the best night of the month.
How many days after the new moon is first quarter?
About 7.4 days — one quarter of the 29.5-day synodic cycle.