2027 Moon Phases Calendar: Full Moon, New Moon & Quarter Moon Dates

The Moon moves through a predictable cycle throughout the year, from new moon to full moon and back again. Knowing the dates of those phases can help with stargazing, moon photography, skywatching or simply keeping track of what's happening in the night sky.

This 2027 moon phases calendar lists the dates of every new moon, first quarter, full moon and last quarter for the year, using U.S. Eastern Time as the reference.

Because the exact phase occurs at a specific moment, the calendar date can vary slightly by time zone. If you're outside the Eastern Time Zone, check your local moon phase and moonrise information before planning a specific observation.

2027 Moon Phases Calendar

Here are the primary moon phases for 2027 in U.S. Eastern Time.

Note: Dates are based on the phase occurring in U.S. Eastern Time. The exact date can differ in other U.S. time zones, particularly when a phase occurs close to midnight. The underlying astronomical phase times are calculated by the U.S. Naval Observatory.

The two August new moons don't make a traditional "blue moon." That term is generally used for two full moons occurring in the same calendar month, not two new moons.

What are the Four Main Moon Phases?

The Moon doesn't actually change shape. Its appearance changes because we see different portions of its sunlit side as the Moon orbits Earth.

1. New Moon

During a new moon, the side of the Moon facing Earth is largely unilluminated. This makes the Moon difficult to see in the night sky. The new moon marks the beginning of a new lunar cycle.

2. First Quarter

The first quarter occurs roughly a week after the new moon. About half of the Moon's visible side is illuminated.

The name can be confusing, it doesn't mean only one-quarter of the Moon appears lit. It refers to the Moon being about one-quarter of the way through its cycle.

3. Full Moon

A full moon occurs when the Moon's Earth-facing side is fully illuminated. This is the most recognizable phase and is often the easiest time to observe the Moon as a bright, round disk.

4. Last Quarter

The last quarter, also called the third quarter, occurs after the full moon as the Moon moves toward the next new moon.

Like the first quarter, it appears approximately half illuminated, but the illuminated portion is decreasing.

Why Do Moon Phases Change?

The Sun always illuminates half of the Moon. As the Moon travels around Earth, our viewing angle changes, so we see different amounts of that illuminated half.

That's what creates the familiar progression:

New Moon → Waxing Crescent → First Quarter → Waxing Gibbous → Full Moon → Waning Gibbous → Last Quarter → Waning Crescent

The complete cycle takes about 29.5 days.

What are the Best Moon Phases for Stargazing?

The best phase depends on what you want to observe.

For dark skies and faint stars, the new moon period is generally more favorable because there is less moonlight washing out the sky.

For observing the Moon itself, the first and last quarter phases can be especially interesting. The angle of sunlight creates shadows along the lunar surface, making craters and other features easier to distinguish.

A full moon provides the most completely illuminated view of the lunar disk, but its brightness can make faint stars harder to see. It is a useful reference point for planning moon photography and evening skywatching, but actual visibility also depends on your location, weather and moonrise time.

For stargazers, new moon periods can be useful because reduced moonlight can create darker observing conditions. So there isn't one universally "best" moon phase. It depends on the type of observation you're planning.

How Can You Use a Moon Phase Calendar?

A moon calendar can be useful for several types of skywatching.

1. Moon Photography

Different phases create different lighting patterns across the lunar surface.

• Crescent: Shows a smaller illuminated portion.
• First quarter: Creates strong shadows around craters.
• Full moon: Shows the entire illuminated disk.
• Last quarter: Provides another opportunity for crater and surface detail.

For the best results, also check moonrise and moonset times for your location.

2. Stargazing

If your goal is to see faint stars or deep-sky objects, check the lunar phase before planning your observation.

A bright Moon can make darker objects more difficult to see, particularly around the full moon.

Tracking the Night Sky

You don't need specialized equipment to follow the lunar cycle. Even casual observation can reveal how quickly the Moon changes from a thin crescent to a full disk and back again.

Keeping a simple record of what you see can also make the repeating cycle easier to understand.

Are Moon Phase Dates the Same Across the U.S.?

The astronomical phase occurs at one specific moment, but the local calendar date can vary by time zone.

For example, a phase that occurs shortly after midnight Eastern Time could still fall on the previous calendar date in Pacific Time.

That's why a national U.S. moon calendar should identify its reference time zone rather than presenting every date as universally applicable.

For this guide, U.S. Eastern Time is the reference. If you're in Central, Mountain or Pacific Time, verify the local date for phases that occur near midnight.

Moon Phases vs. Lunar Calendars: What's the Difference?

A moon phase calendar tracks the Moon's astronomical cycle, including new moons, quarter moons and full moons.

A lunar calendar can mean a calendar system based on lunar cycles and may include months, holidays or cultural observances.

The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they're not always referring to the same thing.

If your goal is to know when the Moon will be new, half-lit or full, a moon phase calendar is the more specific reference.

Why Keep a Physical Moon Calendar?

A digital search can tell you when the next full moon occurs. A physical calendar keeps that information visible throughout the year.

For people interested in astronomy and space, the calendar can also be part of the visual character of a room, office or study.

Final Thoughts

The Moon follows a repeating cycle, but watching that cycle unfold throughout a year can make the night sky feel much easier to follow.

The 2027 dates provide useful reference points whether you're planning a moon photography session, looking for darker skies for stargazing or simply want to know when the next full moon will appear.

Keep this calendar handy throughout the year, and check your local moonrise, moonset and time-zone information when planning a specific observation.

For astronomy-inspired calendars and other space-focused designs, visit the 2046 Print Shop calendars collection.