Moon Phase on Thursday, December 17, 2026
Times use New York, NY (America/New_York) unless noted.
- Phase
- First Quarter
- Illumination
- 55%
- Moon age
- 8.7 days
- Moonrise
- 11:58 AM
- Moonset
- —
Times on this page are for New York, NY (EST) unless noted. Phase and illumination are calculated for 12:00 PM local time with astronomy-engine.
On Thursday, December 17, 2026, the Moon is at First Quarter, about 55% 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.
The Moon reaches First Quarter around Thursday, December 17, 2026. It looks like a half circle lit on the right (Northern Hemisphere). It rises around midday, is highest around sunset and sets around midnight. In New York, NY, moonrise is at 11:58 AM.
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 December 23 at 8:28 PM EST, 6 days from now.
The next full moon is the Cold Moon on Wednesday, December 23, 2026. See the Cold Moon page for times in every US time zone.
FAQ
- What is the moon phase on Thursday, December 17, 2026?
- On Thursday, December 17, 2026, the Moon is in its First Quarter phase, about 55% illuminated and 8.7 days old (calculated for 12:00 PM, EST).
- What time does the Moon rise on December 17 in New York, NY?
- The Moon does not set in New York, NY on December 17 (EST); it stays above the horizon for the full local calendar day. Moonrise is at 11:58 AM.
- When is the next full moon after December 17?
- The next full moon is the Cold Moon on Wednesday, December 23, 2026 at 8:28 PM EST.