Moon Phase on Thursday, May 21, 2026
Times use New York, NY (America/New_York) unless noted.
- Phase
- Waxing Crescent
- Illumination
- 31%
- Moon age
- 4.8 days
- Moonrise
- 10:22 AM
- Moonset
- 12:39 AM
Times on this page are for New York, NY (EDT) unless noted. Phase and illumination are calculated for 12:00 PM local time with astronomy-engine.
On Thursday, May 21, 2026, the Moon is a waxing crescent moon, 31% illuminated and 4.8 days old. "Waxing" means the lit part is growing each night. From the Northern Hemisphere, the sunlit sliver is on the right side of the Moon.
The Moon is a waxing crescent moon on Thursday, May 21, 2026, with 31% of its disk lit. It follows the Sun across the sky by a few hours, so look for it low in the west after sunset. In New York, NY it rises at 10:22 AM and sets at 12:39 AM.
Viewing tips
Look west in the hour after sunset. The thin crescent and earthshine make a beautiful photo above a silhouetted horizon. With a crescent this slim, the sky is still dark enough later in the night for faint stars.
The next major phase is the First Quarter on May 23 at 7:11 AM EDT, 2 days from now.
The next full moon is the Blue Moon on Sunday, May 31, 2026. See the Blue Moon page for times in every US time zone.
FAQ
- What is the moon phase on Thursday, May 21, 2026?
- On Thursday, May 21, 2026, the Moon is a waxing crescent moon, about 31% illuminated and 4.8 days old (calculated for 12:00 PM, EDT).
- What time does the Moon rise on May 21 in New York, NY?
- In New York, NY, moonrise is at 10:22 AM and moonset at 12:39 AM (EDT). Open the city moonrise page for other locations.
- When is the next full moon after May 21?
- The next full moon is the Blue Moon on Sunday, May 31, 2026 at 4:45 AM EDT.