THE LUNAR PHASE GUIDE · 03 / 08

First Quarter

Half in light. Moving forward.

First quarter marks roughly one quarter of the journey from one new Moon to the next. We see about half of the Moon’s near side illuminated. The name describes its position in the cycle, rather than the fraction of the disc that looks bright.

See the next 10 days

About 50% illuminatedIllustration · Northern Hemisphere orientation

LOOK UP

When can you see it?

Afternoon and evening

This phase is convenient for evening viewing: the Moon typically rises around midday and sets around midnight. The boundary between light and shadow is called the terminator. Near that boundary, shadows can make the surface relief easier to notice with binoculars.

How is first quarter different from last quarter?

Both look half lit. At first quarter, the bright portion is increasing towards full Moon; at last quarter, it is decreasing towards new Moon. Their usual viewing times also differ: evening for first quarter, late night and morning for last quarter.

Astronomy reference: NASA’s guide to Moon phases ↗

EIGHT PHASES. ONE CONTINUOUS CYCLE.

Meet every side of the Moon.

THERE’S MORE TO YOUR DAY

A little perspective.
Written in the stars.

Now that you’ve met the Moon, explore today’s horoscope. Find a fresh perspective on love, work and everyday life.

Read today’s horoscope

YOUR EVERYDAY UNIVERSE, IN LUMI

Stay close to
your changing world.

Follow the Moon’s phases, explore your daily horoscope and find a little time for yourself. Bring your everyday rituals together in Lumi.

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