First Quarter Moon
Friday, 18 September 2026 · 21:44 local in London
2026-09-18 20:44 UTC · Europe/London
First Quarter Moon occurs at 21:44 local time in London on 18 September. 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
1°
At the exact phase
Illumination
50%
First Quarter
Local date
18 Sep
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
Above the horizon (1°) at the exact moment.
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 21:44 local · orientation schematic
Next moonrise
16:14
Next moonset
22:02
Next events
Calendar →Sept 2026
26
Full Moon
Below horizon17:49 local · Sat, Sat 26 Sept · Moon -6°
Oct 2026
3
Last Quarter Moon
Above horizon14:25 local · Sat, Sat 3 Oct · Moon 8°
Oct 2026
10
New Moon
Not visible16:50 local · Sat, Sat 10 Oct · Moon 7°
Oct 2026
18
First Quarter Moon
Above horizon17:13 local · Sun, Sun 18 Oct · Moon 10°