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Moon phase in Townsville tonight

Waxing Crescent

14% Illuminated

Tonight in Townsville, the moon is in the Waxing Crescent phase.

With illumination at 14%, 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 Townsville, the Moon is highest at 15:20 (51°).

Cloud Forecast (Next 5h)

Best time to photograph the Moon tonight

Best Time to Shoot

15:20

Moon at transit: altitude 51° (medium). Warning: Transit is during daylight.

Rises: 10:25 (ENE) • Sets: 21:05 (WNW)

From -19.3°, you get a balanced view. Catch the Moonrise for the best landscape context.

Clearest hour: 20:00 (clouds 3%).

Earth-Moon Distance

361,684 km ( 22,716 km closer vs avg)

Closer than average (appears larger)

Camera Settings

ISO 100
Aperture f/11
Shutter 1/125s

Good altitude for sharp crater details.

Where to look

  • Moonrise: Look ENE at 10:25 for horizon compositions. Find a low, unobstructed ene horizon (water/fields/rooftops help).
  • Moonset: Look WNW at 21:05 for late-night shots.
  • Highest point: 51° altitude at 15:20. Note: Transit occurs in daylight—moonrise/moonset may be better for photos.
  • Darkness: Best contrast between 19:01 and 05:26.

Local Viewing Conditions

Bortle Class 6

Suburban Bright

Noticeable light pollution.

“City lights won’t stop you seeing the Moon, but they can reduce contrast for photos. Avoid direct streetlights.”

Stars to look for this month

Look overhead for Scorpius dominating the zenith.

  • Scorpius
  • Sagittarius
  • Lupus

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to photograph the Moon in Townsville? ▼
For detailed craters, shoot during the First Quarter or Last Quarter phases. Tonight, the Moon is highest in the sky at 15:20 (altitude 51°), which is usually the sharpest time to shoot.
When does astronomical darkness start in Townsville tonight? ▼
True astronomical darkness in Townsville begins at 19:01 and ends at 05:26 .
Is the Moon's highest point in daylight in Townsville today? ▼
Yes, the Moon transits (reaches its highest point) during daylight hours at 15:20 .
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 closer than average (appears larger).

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