Global Moon Phase & International Observe Planner

Interactive Lunar Lighting Simulator Waxing Crescent

Drag canvas or scrub slider to observe terminator shadow relief

Lunar Cycle Phase scrub (0 = New, 0.5 = Full, 1.0 = Next New) 0.210

Illumination

42.0%

Phase Age

6.2 days

Terminator Relief

Optimal

Global Observer Presets (Hemisphere & Tilt Orientation)

Observation Date

Local Observer Time

Observer Readiness Scorecard Ready for Observation

Washington, D.C.

Saturday, Sept 19, 2026 • EDT

Viewing Quality

Optimal Evening Window

Computed Illumination

42.0%

Recommended Time

20:00 - 22:30 EDT

Moonrise & Moonset

13:24 • 23:50

Target Altitude / Azimuth

+32° Alt • 198° SSW

Key Lunar Landmarks Visible on Terminator

Mare Serenitatis (Sea of Serenity) - Basalt lava plain Binoculars/Eyes
Theophilus Crater - High central peak & stepped walls Small Scope
Montes Caucasus - Rugged lunar mountain range Telescope
Apollo 11 Landing Site (Mare Tranquillitatis) - Subtle shadow boundary Map Marker

NASA INTERNATIONAL OBSERVE THE MOON NIGHT BRIEFING

Observation Plan: Washington, D.C.

2026-09-19

Waxing Crescent Moon with 42.0% solar disk illumination. Terminator intersects Mare Serenitatis and Mare Tranquillitatis, generating dramatic long-shadow contrast along lunar crater rims between 20:00 and 22:30 EDT.