Moon phase in Alice Springs tonight

Waning Crescent

26% Illuminated

Tonight in Alice Springs, the moon is in the Waning Crescent phase.

With illumination at 26%, the sky will be relatively dark. This is an excellent time for stargazing. Faint objects like the Milky Way (if you are away from city lights) or the International Space Station will stand out clearly against the dark background. In Alice Springs, the Moon is highest at 10:23 (84°).

Cloud Forecast (Next 5h)

Best time to photograph the Moon tonight

Best Time to Shoot

10:23

Moon at transit: altitude 84° (high). Warning: Transit is during daylight.

Rises: 03:37 (ESE) • Sets: 16:25 (WSW)

From -23.7°, you get a balanced view. Catch the Moonrise for the best landscape context.

Clearest hour: 23:30 (clouds 48%).

Earth-Moon Distance

381,107 km ( 3,293 km closer vs avg)

Near average distance

Camera Settings

ISO 100

Aperture f/11

Shutter 1/125s

Good altitude for sharp crater details.

Where to look

Moonrise: Look ESE at 03:37 for horizon compositions. Find a low, unobstructed ese horizon (water/fields/rooftops help).
Moonset: Look WSW at 16:25 for late-night shots.
Highest point: 84° altitude at 10:23. Note: Transit occurs in daylight—moonrise/moonset may be better for photos.
Darkness: Best contrast between 20:06 and 05:20.

Local Viewing Conditions

Bortle Class 3

Rural / Semi-Rural

Decent darkness with some light domes.

“Dark skies provide excellent contrast for observing lunar details and earthshine.”

Stars to look for this month

Look south for the Southern Cross (Crux) high in the sky.

Crux
Carina
Vela

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to photograph the Moon in Alice Springs? ▼

For detailed craters, shoot during the First Quarter or Last Quarter phases. Tonight, the Moon is highest in the sky at 10:23 (altitude 84°), which is usually the sharpest time to shoot.

When does astronomical darkness start in Alice Springs tonight? ▼

True astronomical darkness in Alice Springs begins at 20:06 and ends at 05:20 .

Is the Moon's highest point in daylight in Alice Springs today? ▼

Yes, the Moon transits (reaches its highest point) during daylight hours at 10:23 .

What settings should I use for Moon photography? ▼

Start with ISO 100, Aperture f/11, and Shutter Speed 1/125s (the "Looney 11" rule). Adjust based on the moon's brightness—brighter phases allow faster shutter speeds. A tripod is recommended for sharp shots.

Does the Moon look bigger tonight? ▼

The "Moon Illusion" can make it look huge near the horizon. Physically, tonight the Moon is near average distance.

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