Don't Miss the Last Quarter Moon Phase!

Exciting celestial events are on the horizon as Earth's moon hits its final quarter phase this week! Get ready to marvel at this incredible lunar spectacle and find out the best times and places to catch it.

Key Timing: When to Look Up

The highly anticipated last quarter phase will occur at 07:59 a.m. EDT (1159 GMT) on May 20. For New Yorkers, the moon will rise about 30 degrees above the southern horizon, offering an impressive sight for skywatchers.

Prime Viewing Hours!

For those eager to see the moon almost half-lit, the pre-dawn hours of May 20 are ideal. Just before reaching the last quarter, you'll witness a striking lunar display. The following night, only 39% of the moon will be illuminated, as the moon gradually darkens leading up to the new moon on May 26.

Spot the Craters!

On May 20, the moon's disk will be distinctly divided, with the left side aglow in sunlight. This is a fantastic opportunity for amateur astronomers! Keep an eye out for the prominent Tycho Crater, renowned for its central impact peak that casts stark shadows. Located in the moon's southern highlands, Tycho is easily recognizable as the largest crater around.

Other Lunar Highlights

Don't miss Copernicus Crater, just left of the terminator and close to the lunar equator—it's sure to impress! Gaze upon the darkened expanse of Oceanus Procellarum, the Ocean of Storms, as it dominates the northwest side of the moon’s surface.

Stargazing Surroundings

As the moon rises in the southeastern sky at 1:55 a.m. EDT (0555 GMT) on May 20, you'll also see stars from the constellations Aquarius and Capricornus. Plus, keep an eye out for the bright stars Altair and Vega shining overhead, while planets Saturn and Venus climb higher in the east just before sunrise.

Gear Up for Lunar Exploration!

If you want to explore the moon's surface up close, make sure to check out our guides on the best binoculars and telescopes for stargazing. And for those passionate about astrophotography, don't miss our recommendations for top cameras and lenses to capture stunning images of the moon!