Moon phase in Cairns tonight
Last Quarter
34% Illuminated
Tonight in Cairns, the moon is in the Last Quarter phase.
With illumination at 34%, 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 Cairns, the Moon is highest at 09:15 (85°).
Cloud Forecast (Next 5h)
Best time to photograph the Moon tonight
Best Time to Shoot
09:15
Moon at transit: altitude 85° (high). Warning: Transit is during daylight.
Rises: 02:34 (ESE) • Sets: 15:10 (WSW)
From -16.9°, you get a balanced view. Catch the Moonrise for the best landscape context.
No clear hour in next 5h (best 90% at 22:00).
Earth-Moon Distance
Near average distance
Camera Settings
Good altitude for sharp crater details.
Where to look
- Moonrise: Look ESE at 02:34 for horizon compositions. Find a low, unobstructed ese horizon (water/fields/rooftops help).
- Moonset: Look WSW at 15:10 for late-night shots.
- Highest point: 85° altitude at 09:15. Note: Transit occurs in daylight—moonrise/moonset may be better for photos.
- Darkness: Best contrast between 19:44 and 05:07.
- Weather: Cloud cover is high—watch for brief gaps near 22:00.
Local Viewing Conditions
Suburban Bright
Noticeable light pollution.
Stars to look for this month
Look south for the Southern Cross (Crux) high in the sky.
- Crux
- Carina
- Vela