About   Astrophotos  Contact  News  Star Guide  Telescopes 

1st Quarter January 24, 2018 ⬅︎
The 1st Quarter Moon is the one-quarter point in the moon's 29.5 day lunar cycle.

The moon rises around noon and sets around midnight. The right half of the moon is illuminated.

Since the moon is high in the sky when the sun sets and because it is 50% illuminated, this is not the best time for stargazing using telescopes and binoculars. However, it is great time to view the moon because it has many shadows on its surface that provide rich contrast.

After 1st Quarter, the moon will continue to pull away from the sun and set about an hour later each day. It will continue to grow in brightness or wax. Since it is over 50% illuminated, it is no longer crescent but now is gibbous.
Level: EasyRating: