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Moon phase in Rotorua tonight

Waning Gibbous

78% Illuminated

Tonight in Rotorua, the moon is in the Waning Gibbous 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 Rotorua, the Moon is highest at 04:45 (38°).

Cloud Forecast (Next 5h)

Best time to photograph the Moon tonight

Best Time to Shoot

04:45

Moon at transit: altitude 38° (medium).

Rises: 23:16 (ENE) • Sets: 10:06 (WNW)

From -38.1°, you get a balanced view. Catch the Moonrise for the best landscape context.

Clearest hour: 20:00 (clouds 2%).

Earth-Moon Distance

374,732 km ( 9,668 km closer vs avg)

Near average distance

Camera Settings

ISO 100
Aperture f/11
Shutter 1/125s

Bright moon; try 'Looney 11' rule (f/11).

Where to look

  • Moonrise: Look ENE at 23:16 for horizon compositions. Find a low, unobstructed ene horizon (water/fields/rooftops help).
  • Moonset: Look WNW at 10:06 for late-night shots.
  • Highest point: 38° altitude at 04:45.
  • Darkness: Best contrast between 18:59 and 05:41.

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.

  • Sagittarius
  • Capricornus
  • Microscopium

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to photograph the Moon in Rotorua? ▼
For detailed craters, shoot during the First Quarter or Last Quarter phases. Tonight, the Moon is highest in the sky at 04:45 (altitude 38°), which is usually the sharpest time to shoot.
When does astronomical darkness start in Rotorua tonight? ▼
True astronomical darkness in Rotorua begins at 18:59 and ends at 05:41 .
Is the Moon's highest point in daylight in Rotorua today? ▼
No, the Moon transits at 04:45 , 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.

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