First Quarter Moon
Saturday, 20 May 1972 · 02:17 local in London
1972-05-20 01:17 UTC · Europe/London
First Quarter Moon occurs at 02:17 local time in London on 20 May. Half of the visible disc is lit, and the terminator cuts across the middle. Long shadows make craters along the dividing line stand out.
Moon altitude
-3°
At the exact phase
Illumination
50%
First Quarter
Local date
20 May
1972
Viewing tips
- Look along the terminator for the strongest crater shadows.
- The Moon is highest in the evening during this phase.
- Binoculars are enough to see major craters and maria.
Visibility, honestly
Below the horizon at the exact moment — look near moonrise or moonset.
A phase is a global instant; whether it is above your horizon depends on location. Weather is not included here. Check the tonight outlook for cloud cover and a viewing score. No eclipse or conjunction claim is made on this page.
Phase times from Astronomy Engine. Rise/set and altitude use atmospheric refraction. Method
First Quarter · 50% lit
Phase at 02:17 local · NASA LRO surface
Next moonrise
12:54
Next moonset
02:11
Next events
Calendar →May 1972
28
Full Moon
Below horizon05:28 local · Sun, Sun 28 May · Moon -8°
Jun 1972
4
Last Quarter Moon
Below horizon22:22 local · Sun, Sun 4 Jun · Moon -26°
Jun 1972
11
New Moon
Not visible12:30 local · Sun, Sun 11 Jun · Moon 64°
Jun 1972
18
First Quarter Moon
Above horizon16:41 local · Sun, Sun 18 Jun · Moon 28°