Moon Phase on Saturday, May 23, 2026
Times use New York, NY (America/New_York) unless noted.
- Phase
- First Quarter
- Illumination
- 52%
- Moon age
- 6.8 days
- Moonrise
- 12:47 PM
- Moonset
- 1:40 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.
A First Quarter Moon (52% lit) dominates the evening sky on Saturday, May 23, 2026. The terminator, the line between day and night on the Moon, runs straight down the middle, and shadows along it make craters and mountains stand out sharply.
On Saturday, May 23, 2026, the Moon is at First Quarter, about 52% illuminated. Despite the name, half of the visible disk is lit. "Quarter" refers to the Moon being a quarter of the way through its orbit since New Moon.
Viewing tips
This is one of the best phases for binoculars or a small telescope. Scan along the terminator for crater rims and mountain ranges in strong relief. Evening viewing is convenient, and the Moon sets around midnight, leaving the later night darker.
The next major phase is the Full Moon on May 31 at 4:45 AM EDT, 8 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 Saturday, May 23, 2026?
- On Saturday, May 23, 2026, the Moon is in its First Quarter phase, about 52% illuminated and 6.8 days old (calculated for 12:00 PM, EDT).
- What time does the Moon rise on May 23 in New York, NY?
- In New York, NY, moonrise is at 12:47 PM and moonset at 1:40 AM (EDT). Open the city moonrise page for other locations.
- When is the next full moon after May 23?
- The next full moon is the Blue Moon on Sunday, May 31, 2026 at 4:45 AM EDT.