Moon ExactlyPhase 7 of 8
Last Quarter Moon
The Moon is three quarters through its cycle and the opposite half from First Quarter appears lit.
Last Quarter
Visualization uses the common Northern Hemisphere orientation. The illuminated side may appear rotated or reversed from other latitudes.
Astronomical definition
The Moon is three quarters through its cycle and the opposite half from First Quarter appears lit. Phase categories are conventional ranges within a continuous change; the exact quarter and principal phases are mathematical instants.
How to observe it
It rises near midnight and remains visible into the morning. Dawn viewing gives crisp relief along the reversed terminator.
Where it sits in the cycle
The Last Quarter occurs at roughly day 22. It follows the Waning Gibbous and leads toward the Waning Crescent. A complete New-Moon-to-New-Moon cycle averages 29.53 days, so broad stages last several days, but not for identical durations.
Traditional and spiritual meaning
In astrology and some spiritual traditions, the Last Quarter is often associated with release, reassessment, and course correction. These interpretations are matters of belief and cultural practice, not scientifically demonstrated lunar effects.
What happens next?
Illumination continues to decrease as the Moon approaches the Waning Crescent. The lit side always faces the Sun even as its orientation changes with location and viewing angle.
Questions, answered
Frequently asked questions
How illuminated is a Last Quarter?
about 50%. The value changes continuously except at the exact event.
How long does the Last Quarter last?
Phase labels divide a roughly 29.53-day cycle. Intermediate labels usually span about 3.7 days, but orbital speed varies.
What comes after the Last Quarter?
The next named stage is the Waning Crescent.