Moon Phase Calculator today - Full Moon Calendar & Moon Transit
Calculate the current moon phase, age, and illumination percentage. Check Vedic (Tithi, Rashi, Nakshatra), Tamil, Arabic (Hijri), Chinese, Celtic, and Mayan lunar signs with our interactive date calculator.
Western Astronomical Metrics
Astronomical measurements calculated relative to the J2000 epoch.
Lunar Orbit & Calculation Blueprint
How It Works
The Moon orbits the Earth in an elliptical path inclined at approximately 5.14 degrees relative to the ecliptic plane. This inclinational tilt is why eclipses do not occur every month. By calculating the exact geocentric positions of both the Sun and the Moon, this calculator derives the exact angular separation (elongation) to compute the phase shape and transit sign.
Specifications
| Synodic Period | 29.530589 Days (New Moon to New Moon) |
| Sidereal Period | 27.321582 Days (Full 360ยฐ Orbit) |
| Perigee Limit | < 360,000 km (Supermoon) |
| Apogee Limit | > 400,000 km (Micro-moon) |
Moon Phases & Ocean Tides
How Moon Phases Occur
Moon phases are determined by the relative positions of the Earth, Sun, and Moon. As the Moon orbits the Earth, different portions of its illuminated half face us.
- New Moon: The Moon lies between the Sun and Earth; the unilluminated side faces Earth (0% illumination).
- Full Moon: The Earth lies between the Sun and Moon; the illuminated side faces Earth (100% illumination).
- Quarter Moons: The Moon is at a 90ยฐ angle to the Sun, showing exactly half-light (50% illumination).
- Crescent & Gibbous: Intermediate stages showing less than half (Crescent) or more than half (Gibbous) light.
Current Tide Forecast
The Moon's gravitational pull creates ocean tides on Earth. The amplitude of these tides varies depending on the alignment of the Sun and Moon:
The ocean tides are currently transitioning between Spring and Neap ranges. Expect moderate, standard high and low tides as the planetary alignment shifts.
Overview & Capabilities
Welcome to our comprehensive Moon Phase and Lunar Transit Studio. Calculate the precise age, distance, and illumination fraction of the Moon for any date in history or the future. Explore global traditional systems including Vedic Astrology (Tithis, Nakshatras, Chandra Rashi), Tamil Calendars (Valarpirai/Theipirai), Arabic Hijri phases (Hilal, Badr), and traditional Slavic, Celtic, and Mayan lunar divisions.
How to Use
Key Features
Tips & Best Practices
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q What is the difference between a synodic and sidereal month?
A synodic month is the time between consecutive new moons (approx. 29.53 days), which is the cycle of moon phases. A sidereal month is the time it takes the Moon to complete a full 360-degree orbit relative to the background stars (approx. 27.32 days), which governs zodiac transit cycles.
Q How are Vedic Tithis calculated?
A Tithi is a lunar day in Vedic timekeeping. It is calculated by dividing the 360-degree lunar cycle into 30 parts of 12 degrees each. The index depends entirely on the angular separation between the Moon and the Sun.
Q What determines a Supermoon or Micro-moon?
Because the Moon's orbit is elliptical, its distance from Earth varies. When a Full Moon coincides with the closest approach to Earth (perigee, under 360,000 km), it is a Supermoon. If it coincides with the farthest point (apogee, over 400,000 km), it is a Micro-moon.
Q How accurate are the client-side astronomical equations?
Our engine uses a truncated version of the ELP-2000 theory. It achieves accuracy within 0.5 degrees for ecliptic longitude, which is ideal for calculating zodiac signs, phases, and eclipse alignments entirely client-side.
Q Can I check the moon phase of my birth date?
Yes! Simply select your birth date using the calendar input or type 'moon phase on [your birth date]' in the NLP search box to retrieve the exact phase, age, and zodiac moon sign.