First Quarter Moon
Tuesday, 21 July 2026 · 12:06 local in London
2026-07-21 11:06 UTC · Europe/London
First Quarter Moon occurs at 12:06 local time in London on 21 July. 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
-18°
At the exact phase
Illumination
50%
First Quarter
Local date
21 Jul
2026
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 12:06 local · orientation schematic
Next moonrise
14:10
Next moonset
23:30
Next events
Calendar →Jul 2026
29
Full Moon
Below horizon15:36 local · Wed, Wed 29 Jul · Moon -48°
Aug 2026
6
Last Quarter Moon
Above horizon03:21 local · Thu, Thu 6 Aug · Moon 40°
Aug 2026
12
New Moon
Not visible18:37 local · Wed, Wed 12 Aug · Moon 16°
Aug 2026
20
First Quarter Moon
Below horizon03:46 local · Thu, Thu 20 Aug · Moon -48°