ISS-over.me

Moon phase in Las Cruces tonight

New Moon

0% Illuminated

Tonight in Las Cruces, the moon is in the New Moon phase.

With illumination at 0%, 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 Las Cruces, the Moon is highest at 13:52 (85°).

Cloud Forecast (Next 5h)

Best time to photograph the Moon tonight

Best Time to Shoot

13:52

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

Rises: 07:29 (ENE) • Sets: 21:25 (WNW)

From 32.3°, you get a balanced view. Catch the Moonrise for the best landscape context.

Clearest hour: 21:00 (clouds 17%).

Earth-Moon Distance

351,567 km ( 32,833 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 07:29 for horizon compositions. Find a low, unobstructed ene horizon (water/fields/rooftops help).
  • Moonset: Look WNW at 21:25 for late-night shots.
  • Highest point: 85° altitude at 13:52. Note: Transit occurs in daylight—moonrise/moonset may be better for photos.
  • Darkness: Best contrast between 21:56 and 04:19.

Local Viewing Conditions

Bortle Class 5

Suburban Bright

Noticeable light pollution.

“City lights won’t stop you seeing the Moon, but they can reduce contrast for photos. Avoid direct streetlights.”

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 Las Cruces? ▼
For detailed craters, shoot during the First Quarter or Last Quarter phases. Tonight, the Moon is highest in the sky at 13:52 (altitude 85°), which is usually the sharpest time to shoot.
When does astronomical darkness start in Las Cruces tonight? ▼
True astronomical darkness in Las Cruces begins at 21:56 and ends at 04:19 .
Is the Moon's highest point in daylight in Las Cruces today? ▼
Yes, the Moon transits (reaches its highest point) during daylight hours at 13:52 .
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).

Explore Nearby Cities

Moon watching in El Paso Moon watching in Socorro Moon watching in Socorro Mission Number 1 Colonia Moon watching in Alamogordo Moon watching in South Valley Moon watching in Albuquerque
← Back to Las Cruces Hub ISS Visibility → Tiangong Visibility → Meteor Showers →