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Moon phase in Hamilton tonight

Last Quarter

34% Illuminated

Tonight in Hamilton, 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 Hamilton, the Moon is highest at 10:13 (74°).

Cloud Forecast (Next 5h)

Best time to photograph the Moon tonight

Best Time to Shoot

10:13

Moon at transit: altitude 74° (high). Warning: Transit is during daylight.

Rises: 02:41 (ESE) • Sets: 17:01 (WSW)

From -37.8°, you get a balanced view. Catch the Moonrise for the best landscape context.

Clearest hour: 20:00 (clouds 1%).

Earth-Moon Distance

386,965 km ( + 2,565 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 02:41 for horizon compositions. Find a low, unobstructed ese horizon (water/fields/rooftops help).
  • Moonset: Look WSW at 17:01 for late-night shots.
  • Highest point: 74° altitude at 10:13. Note: Transit occurs in daylight—moonrise/moonset may be better for photos.
  • Darkness: Best contrast between 21:08 and 05:47.

Local Viewing Conditions

Bortle Class 5

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 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 Hamilton? ▼
For detailed craters, shoot during the First Quarter or Last Quarter phases. Tonight, the Moon is highest in the sky at 10:13 (altitude 74°), which is usually the sharpest time to shoot.
When does astronomical darkness start in Hamilton tonight? ▼
True astronomical darkness in Hamilton begins at 21:08 and ends at 05:47 .
Is the Moon's highest point in daylight in Hamilton today? ▼
Yes, the Moon transits (reaches its highest point) during daylight hours at 10:13 .
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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