Skip to content
MoonScan
Open navigation menu
All lunar events
Lunar phaseBelow horizon at event timeDefault location · London

First Quarter Moon

Thursday, 17 December 2026 · 05:43 local in London

2026-12-17 05:43 UTC · Europe/London

First Quarter Moon occurs at 05:43 local time in London on 17 December. 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

-38°

At the exact phase

Illumination

50%

First Quarter

Local date

17 Dec

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