The Moon seems to change shape through the month, from a thin crescent to a bright full disc and back again. These changes, called moon phases, have guided calendars, farming and religious observances for thousands of years. This guide explains the eight phases simply and how to see today’s phase with our free Moon Phase & Next Full Moon tool.
Why the Moon has phases
The Moon does not produce its own light; it reflects sunlight. As it orbits Earth, we see different portions of its sunlit half. When the Moon is between Earth and the Sun, the sunlit side faces away and we see nothing: a new moon. When Earth is between them, we see the whole lit side: a full moon.
The eight phases
| Phase | Approximate moon age | What you see |
|---|---|---|
| New moon | 0 days | Not visible |
| Waxing crescent | 1–6 days | Thin sliver, growing |
| First quarter | about 7 days | Half lit |
| Waxing gibbous | 8–14 days | More than half, growing |
| Full moon | about 14–15 days | Fully lit |
| Waning gibbous | 16–21 days | More than half, shrinking |
| Last quarter | about 22 days | Half lit (other side) |
| Waning crescent | 23–29 days | Thin sliver, shrinking |
How long is a lunar cycle?
From one new moon to the next takes about 29.53 days, called a synodic month. That is why Islamic months have 29 or 30 days.
Waxing or waning?
In the Northern Hemisphere, including Pakistan, a waxing Moon is lit on the right side and a waning Moon on the left. “Waxing” means growing; “waning” means shrinking.
When to see it
- A waxing crescent appears in the west after sunset.
- A full moon rises around sunset and sets around sunrise.
- A waning crescent appears in the east before dawn.
The Moon and Islamic months
Islamic months begin when the new crescent (hilal) is sighted after sunset. Read moon sighting and Islamic months to understand why dates can differ between countries, and check today’s Islamic date with Islamic Date Today (Hijri Converter). Ramadan’s start depends on this sighting; see Days Until Ramadan.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take the Moon to go through all phases?
About 29.5 days.
Why can’t we see the new moon?
Its sunlit side faces away from Earth.
What is a gibbous moon?
A phase when more than half but not all of the Moon is lit.