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Moon phase in Rapid City tonight

Full Moon

100% Illuminated

Tonight in Rapid City, the moon is in the Full Moon phase.

The moon is very bright tonight (100% 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 Rapid City, the Moon is highest at 01:34 (17°).

Cloud Forecast (Next 5h)

Best time to photograph the Moon tonight

Best Time to Shoot

01:34

Moon at transit: altitude 17° (low).

Rises: 21:30 (SE) • Sets: 05:36 (SW)

From 44.1°, you get a balanced view. Catch the Moonrise for the best landscape context.

Clearest hour: 22:00 (clouds 0%).

Earth-Moon Distance

404,408 km ( + 20,008 km farther vs avg)

Farther than average (appears smaller)

Camera Settings

ISO 100
Aperture f/11
Shutter 1/125s

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

Where to look

  • Moonrise: Look SE at 21:30 for horizon compositions. Find a low, unobstructed se horizon (water/fields/rooftops help).
  • Moonset: Look SW at 05:36 for late-night shots.
  • Highest point: 17° altitude at 01:34.
  • Darkness: Best contrast between 22:46 and 02:54.

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 overhead for the Big Dipper and Leo.

  • Bootes
  • Virgo
  • Corona Borealis

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to photograph the Moon in Rapid City? ▼
For detailed craters, shoot during the First Quarter or Last Quarter phases. Tonight, the Moon is highest in the sky at 01:34 (altitude 17°), which is usually the sharpest time to shoot.
When does astronomical darkness start in Rapid City tonight? ▼
True astronomical darkness in Rapid City begins at 22:46 and ends at 02:54 .
Is the Moon's highest point in daylight in Rapid City today? ▼
No, the Moon transits at 01:34 , 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 farther than average (appears smaller).

Explore Nearby Cities

Moon watching in Gillette Moon watching in Casper Moon watching in Dickinson Moon watching in Cheyenne Moon watching in Mandan Moon watching in Bismarck
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