Moon phase in Sydney tonight

Last Quarter

34% Illuminated

Tonight in Sydney, 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 Sydney, the Moon is highest at 09:53 (78°).

Cloud Forecast (Next 5h)

Best time to photograph the Moon tonight

Best Time to Shoot

09:53

Moon at transit: altitude 78° (high). Warning: Transit is during daylight.

Rises: 02:33 (ESE) • Sets: 16:28 (WSW)

From -33.9°, you get a balanced view. Catch the Moonrise for the best landscape context.

Clearest hour: 21:00 (clouds 2%).

Earth-Moon Distance

386,545 km ( + 2,145 km farther 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 02:33 for horizon compositions. Find a low, unobstructed ese horizon (water/fields/rooftops help).
Moonset: Look WSW at 16:28 for late-night shots.
Highest point: 78° altitude at 09:53. Note: Transit occurs in daylight—moonrise/moonset may be better for photos.
Darkness: Best contrast between 20:39 and 05:29.

Local Viewing Conditions

Bortle Class 9

Urban / Inner City

Intense light pollution.

“Light pollution reduces contrast, but the Moon is bright. For sharp detail, shoot when the Moon is high.”

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 Sydney? ▼

For detailed craters, shoot during the First Quarter or Last Quarter phases. Tonight, the Moon is highest in the sky at 09:53 (altitude 78°), which is usually the sharpest time to shoot.

When does astronomical darkness start in Sydney tonight? ▼

True astronomical darkness in Sydney begins at 20:39 and ends at 05:29 .

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

Yes, the Moon transits (reaches its highest point) during daylight hours at 09:53 .

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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