Lunar Calendar

Explore our Lunar Calendar tool to easily view tonight's current moon phase, discover when the next phase will occur, and see when the previous phase took place.

Wonder what today's moon phase is or when is the full moon? If so, you’ve landed at the right place since our Lunar Calendar tool offers a simple and efficient way to stay informed. It provides real-time information on the current moon phase, the next and previous phases, and other details; let’s find out now!

What is a Lunar Calendar?

A lunar calendar or moon calendar is a calendar based on the cycles of the moon's phases, or the moon's orbit around the Earth, to be exact. This is totally different from the solar calendar as it is based on the Earth's orbit around the sun.

Each month in a lunar calendar typically begins with a new moon and lasts for about 29.5 days, which is the duration for the moon to complete a full cycle of phases. In reality, a month in the lunar calendar can be 29 or 30 days long, meaning that a lunar year is approximately 354 days, 11 days less than a solar year.

What are Moon Phases?

Simply put, the moon phases are the different shapes of the moon we see from Earth. It goes through a series of 8 different phases as it orbits the Earth, which are determined by the relative positions of the Earth, moon, and sun.

Below is the list of 8 moon phases in order:

  • New Moon (typically marks the beginning of a new month in the lunar calendar, with the moon being invisible in the night sky)
  • Waxing Crescent
  • First Quarter
  • Waxing Gibbous
  • Full Moon (typically falls around the middle of a lunar month, with the moon fully visible in the night sky.)
  • Waning Gibbous
  • Third Quarter
  • Waning Crescent

How to Track the Current Moon Phase Using Our Tool

Our lunar calendar tool makes it easy to track today's moon phase. As with many time calculators available on the site, this calendar operates automatically, giving you instant results as soon as you access it.

Here’s a closer look at what the tool can offer:

  • The Current Time: The tool displays your current time and date with a live clock shown in a clear and concise format.
  • Moon Phase Tonight: The main display will also show you the moon phase for tonight and the illustration for its shape.
  • Next and Previous Moon Phases: The tool also provides information about what the upcoming and previous moon phases are and the specific date and time they take (and took) place.

There’s no need for manual inputs or complex steps to find out today's moon phase—simply head to the tool and the results are automatically shown on your screen. The tool is updated in real time so that you can easily get reliable information at your fingertips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Lunar Calendars Shorter Than Solar Calendars?

A lunar year consists of 12 lunar months, which total approximately 354 days, while a full solar year has 365 or 366 days. This is because a lunar month, or one complete cycle of moon phases, lasts around 29.5 days. Over time, many cultures using lunar calendars adjust by adding a leap month to bring their calendar in sync with the solar year.

Are Lunar Calendars Still Used Today?

Yes, they are still widely used today in various cultures. For example, the Chinese calendar, a lunisolar calendar, is used to determine the dates of traditional festivals such as the Lunar New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival.

How Often Should I Check the Lunar Calendar?

You can check the lunar calendar as often as you like, especially during significant lunar events or when planning activities based on the moon's phases.

Can I use the Lunar Calendar Tool on Any Device?

Our tool is compatible with different devices and web browsers. It's accessible on not just desktop PCs but also tablets and smartphones, allowing users to check the lunar calendar anytime, anywhere, as long as there's an internet connection.

Is this Tool Free to Use?

The Lunar Calendar tool is 100% free; no premium features or hidden costs are available. You can access and use it as much as you want without spending a buck.

To conclude, with this Lunar Calendar tool and its easy-to-use interface and real-time updates, checking the lunar calendar has never been more convenient. Whether you're tracking the current moon phase, looking ahead to the next full moon, or reflecting on past moon phases, this tool provides all the information you need instantly.