Moon Phases Visualized – Where Is the Moon?

How do I use this service?

• Click on Top View, Side View, or Bottom View to select a different perspective.
• Use the play buttons below the graphic to pause, fast-forward, or rewind the animation.
• To return to the real-time display, click on LIVE.
• Click on the calendar symbol to select a different date.

What is the Moon phases visualization?

The Moon phases visualization shows the positions of the Moon and Earth in real time. Distances are not to scale.

The Sun is not shown, however, the Earth's illumination indicates its position to the left. Because of the Earth's axial tilt, the Sun's assumed location shifts up and down slightly over the course of the year in this animation, appearing on the same horizontal plane as the Earth solely during the March and September equinoxes.

The circle shows the Moon's anticipated path in the upcoming weeks, including the next 3 or 4 Moon phases. As the Moon's position varies from one revolution to the next, the arrow indicating the expected lunar path may not point exactly towards the Moon's current position.

The arrows displayed after the Illumination, Distance, and Latitude values indicate their downward or upward trend.

Planet Sizes and Order

With surface gravity, moons, current phase, type, and more.

Who’s Closest Right Now?

Play with our timeline to see the swings in the planets’ distances from Earth.

The Sky Tonight

Find planets, stars, and constellations in your night sky.