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Moon phase in West Lafayette tonight

Waxing Gibbous

70% Illuminated

Tonight in West Lafayette, the moon is in the Waxing 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 West Lafayette, the Moon is highest at 22:26 (55°).

Cloud Forecast (Next 5h)

Best time to photograph the Moon tonight

Best Time to Shoot

22:26

Moon at transit: altitude 55° (medium).

Rises: 15:51 (E) • Sets: 04:50 (W)

From 40.4°, you get a balanced view. Catch the Moonrise for the best landscape context.

No clear hour in next 5h (best 99% at 20:00).

Earth-Moon Distance

382,421 km ( 1,979 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

  • Moonrise: Look E at 15:51 for horizon compositions. Find a low, unobstructed e horizon (water/fields/rooftops help).
  • Moonset: Look W at 04:50 for late-night shots.
  • Highest point: 55° altitude at 22:26.
  • Darkness: Best contrast between 22:20 and 05:09.
  • Weather: Cloud cover is high—watch for brief gaps near 20:00.

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 overhead for the Big Dipper and Leo.

  • Leo
  • Ursa Major
  • Hydra

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to photograph the Moon in West Lafayette? ▼
For detailed craters, shoot during the First Quarter or Last Quarter phases. Tonight, the Moon is highest in the sky at 22:26 (altitude 55°), which is usually the sharpest time to shoot.
When does astronomical darkness start in West Lafayette tonight? ▼
True astronomical darkness in West Lafayette begins at 22:20 and ends at 05:09 .
Is the Moon's highest point in daylight in West Lafayette today? ▼
No, the Moon transits at 22:26 , 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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