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Moon phase in Santee tonight

Waning Crescent

6% Illuminated

Tonight in Santee, the moon is in the Waning Crescent phase.

With illumination at 6%, 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 Santee, the Moon is highest at 12:27 (85°).

Cloud Forecast (Next 5h)

Best time to photograph the Moon tonight

Best Time to Shoot

12:27

Moon at transit: altitude 85° (high). Warning: Transit is during daylight.

Rises: 05:57 (ENE) • Sets: 20:05 (WNW)

From 32.8°, you get a balanced view. Catch the Moonrise for the best landscape context.

Clearest hour: 20:00 (clouds 0%).

Earth-Moon Distance

350,871 km ( 33,529 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 05:57 for horizon compositions. Find a low, unobstructed ene horizon (water/fields/rooftops help).
  • Moonset: Look WNW at 20:05 for late-night shots.
  • Highest point: 85° altitude at 12:27. Note: Transit occurs in daylight—moonrise/moonset may be better for photos.
  • Darkness: Best contrast between 21:39 and 03:57.

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 high in the sky after midnight for the Summer Triangle.

  • Hercules
  • Lyra
  • Cygnus

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to photograph the Moon in Santee? ▼
For detailed craters, shoot during the First Quarter or Last Quarter phases. Tonight, the Moon is highest in the sky at 12:27 (altitude 85°), which is usually the sharpest time to shoot.
When does astronomical darkness start in Santee tonight? ▼
True astronomical darkness in Santee begins at 21:39 and ends at 03:57 .
Is the Moon's highest point in daylight in Santee today? ▼
Yes, the Moon transits (reaches its highest point) during daylight hours at 12:27 .
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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