The moon behind your print.
You chose that date for a reason. We use astronomy to find its moon, so the print you give has a real connection to the moment.
See the phase for yourself.
Here are four dates, with NASA’s view beside the moon artwork for each one. Follow the curve of the light as the month goes by.
A crescent
Halfway to full
Almost full
Waning again
NASA visualizations and our moon artwork. All examples are at 18:00 UTC.
NASA imagery: NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio · Ernie Wright.
Explore NASA’s images and dataWhat your date tells us.
Your date and time tell us which moon phase belongs in your print, from a thin crescent to a full moon.
And why we ask for a place.
The Moon can look tilted differently depending on where you are. Your chosen place helps us work out that angle.
Our moon-phase calculations use formulas referenced in NASA Goddard’s astronomy archive. You can follow the source below.
Where the calculations come fromA little room for your style.
The phase comes from your date. The golden colour, glow and background are design choices. Your print is artwork made for your moment, rather than a photograph taken that night.
Try a date that means something to you. You can see your moon before deciding on a print.
Find your moon