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Moon phase in Nelson tonight

First Quarter

42% Illuminated

Tonight in Nelson, the moon is in the First Quarter phase.

The moon is moderately bright tonight. While it might wash out the faintest stars, you can still enjoy spotting major constellations and planets. The moon itself will be a beautiful sight, offering good contrast along the terminator line. In Nelson, the Moon is highest at 17:56 (46°).

Cloud Forecast (Next 5h)

Best time to photograph the Moon tonight

Best Time to Shoot

17:56

Moon at transit: altitude 46° (medium).

No moonrise today • Sets: 00:05 (W)

From -41.3°, you get a balanced view. Catch the Moonrise for the best landscape context.

Clearest hour: 21:00 (clouds 52%).

Earth-Moon Distance

379,964 km ( 4,436 km closer vs avg)

Near average distance

Camera Settings

ISO 100
Aperture f/11
Shutter 1/125s

Good altitude for sharp crater details.

Where to look

  • Moonset: Look W at 00:05 for late-night shots.
  • Highest point: 46° altitude at 17:56.
  • Darkness: Best contrast between 18:44 and 06:13.

Local Viewing Conditions

Bortle Class 4

Rural / Semi-Rural

Decent darkness with some light domes.

“Dark skies provide excellent contrast for observing lunar details and earthshine.”

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 Nelson? ▼
For detailed craters, shoot during the First Quarter or Last Quarter phases. Tonight, the Moon is highest in the sky at 17:56 (altitude 46°), which is usually the sharpest time to shoot.
When does astronomical darkness start in Nelson tonight? ▼
True astronomical darkness in Nelson begins at 18:44 and ends at 06:13 .
Is the Moon's highest point in daylight in Nelson today? ▼
No, the Moon transits at 17:56 , which is outside of daylight hours.
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.

Explore Nearby Cities

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