Moon phase in Fairbanks tonight

Waning Gibbous

85% Illuminated

Tonight in Fairbanks, the moon is in the Waning Gibbous phase.

The moon is very bright tonight (85% illuminated). Deep-sky objects will be harder to see due to the natural light pollution, but it's a perfect opportunity to observe the lunar surface itself. The ISS will still be visible as it is much brighter than most stars. In Fairbanks, the Moon is highest at 06:17 (37°).

Cloud Forecast (Next 5h)

Best time to photograph the Moon tonight

Best Time to Shoot

06:17

Moon at transit: altitude 37° (medium). Warning: Transit is during daylight.

Rises: 22:28 (ENE) • Sets: 12:55 (WNW)

At 64.8° latitude, the Moon often stays low on the horizon, creating long atmospheric paths ideal for 'big moon' photos but softer details.

No clear hour in next 5h (best 98% at 01:00).

Earth-Moon Distance

375,176 km ( 9,224 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 22:28 for horizon compositions. Find a low, unobstructed ene horizon (water/fields/rooftops help).
Moonset: Look WNW at 12:55 for late-night shots.
Highest point: 37° altitude at 06:17. Note: Transit occurs in daylight—moonrise/moonset may be better for photos.
No full astronomical darkness tonight at this latitude.
Weather: Cloud cover is high—watch for brief gaps near 01:00.

Local Viewing Conditions

Bortle Class 3

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 high in the sky after midnight for the Summer Triangle.

Cygnus
Sagittarius
Aquila

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to photograph the Moon in Fairbanks? ▼

For detailed craters, shoot during the First Quarter or Last Quarter phases. Tonight, the Moon is highest in the sky at 06:17 (altitude 37°), which is usually the sharpest time to shoot.

When does astronomical darkness start in Fairbanks tonight? ▼

This location does not reach full astronomical darkness tonight due to latitude or season.

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

Yes, the Moon transits (reaches its highest point) during daylight hours at 06:17 .

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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