How to Use the Moon Calendar & Phases App on Windows

The Moon Calendar & Phases app for Windows is a convenient tool for tracking the Moon’s current phase, moonrise and moonset times, lunar illumination, sunrise and sunset, and other astronomical information. Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast, an astrophotographer, a stargazer, or simply curious about the lunar cycle, the app provides accurate and easy-to-read data in one place.

With its clean interface and real-time updates, you can quickly check today’s moon conditions, browse monthly moon phases, and view detailed information for your selected location.

This step-by-step guide explains how to use the Moon Calendar & Phases app on Windows.

Step 1: Open the Moon Calendar & Phases App

Launch the Moon Calendar & Phases app from the Windows Start menu or by double-clicking its desktop shortcut.

When the app opens, the main dashboard loads automatically and displays live moon information based on your default location.

The interface is divided into three sections:

• Left Sidebar
  • Calendar
  • Settings
• Center Panel
  • A realistic 3D Moon visualization
  • Current moon phase
  • Daily sunrise and sunset timeline
• Right Information Panel
  • Moonrise and moonset times
  • Moon illumination
  • Moon distance
  • Moon age
  • Moon zodiac
  • Upcoming lunar events
  • Sun-related information

Everything updates automatically to provide current astronomical data.

Step 2: View the Current Moon Phase

The center of the dashboard displays the Moon exactly as it appears for the selected date and location.

Just below the Moon image, you’ll see the Current Phase section.

For example, it may display:

Waxing Crescent

As the lunar cycle changes, the Moon visualization and phase name update automatically.

Below the Moon, the app also displays a timeline showing important daylight events, including:

• Sunrise
• Sunrise End
• Golden Hour End
• Solar Noon
• Golden Hour Start
• Sunset Start
• Sunset

This timeline is especially useful for photographers, hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone planning evening sky observations.

Step 3: Explore the Live Moon Information Panel

On the right side of the dashboard, you’ll find detailed real-time lunar information presented in easy-to-read cards.

These cards include:

• Moon illumination percentage
• Moonrise time
• Moonset time
• Culmination time
• Next Full Moon
• Next New Moon
• Moon age
• Moon zodiac sign
• Moon distance from Earth
• Moon azimuth
• Moon altitude
• Sun distance
• Sun azimuth
• Sun altitude

Each value is calculated for your selected location, allowing you to monitor current lunar conditions with accuracy.

Step 4: Search for Another Location

If you want to view moon information for another city, use the Search for city or zip code box located at the top-right corner.

To search for a new location:

1. Click inside the search box.
2. Type the name of a city or enter a ZIP code.
3. Select the correct location from the search suggestions.
4. Wait a few seconds while the app updates the data.

For example, you can search for:

• New York, NY
• Los Angeles, CA
• Chicago, IL
• Houston, TX
• Miami, FL
• Seattle, WA

Once selected, the dashboard refreshes automatically and displays moonrise, moonset, illumination, and other astronomical information for that location.

This feature is especially useful when planning travel, stargazing sessions, lunar photography, or observing moon events in different parts of the United States.

Step 5: Browse the Moon Calendar

Click Calendar from the left navigation menu.

The app opens a monthly lunar calendar where every day displays the Moon’s illumination percentage and phase.

The calendar includes:

• Daily moon illumination
• Moon phase progression
• Current selected date
• Monthly navigation arrows

Each day provides a quick overview of how the Moon changes throughout the month.

For example:

• Early in the month, the Moon may appear as a Waxing Crescent.
• Mid-month progresses toward the Full Moon.
• After the Full Moon, illumination gradually decreases during the Waning phases.

Use the left and right arrows at the top of the calendar to move between previous and upcoming months.

This makes it easy to plan lunar observations well in advance.

Step 6: Check Moon Illumination for Any Date

Every day shown in the monthly calendar displays the Moon’s illumination percentage.

Simply click any date to view its lunar information.

You may see values such as:

• 8%
• 14%
• 42%
• 73%
• 95%
• 100%

Monitoring moon illumination helps you determine how bright the Moon will be on a specific night.

This information is useful for:

• Astrophotography
• Stargazing
• Camping
• Hiking
• Gardening based on lunar cycles
• Educational projects
• Night sky observation

Step 7: View Upcoming Full Moon and New Moon Dates

The information panel on the right side includes dedicated cards for upcoming lunar events.

These cards display:

• Next Full Moon
• Next New Moon

Each card includes:

• The exact event date
• A countdown showing the remaining days until the event

This feature allows you to prepare for major lunar events without manually checking a calendar.

Whether you’re planning a photography session or simply following the lunar cycle, these reminders make planning much easier.

Step 8: Learn More About the Moon

In addition to the current moon phase, the app provides several advanced astronomical measurements.

Moon Age

Shows the number of days that have passed since the last New Moon.

Moon Distance

Displays the Moon’s current distance from Earth in kilometers.

Moon Altitude

Shows how high the Moon is positioned above the horizon.

A higher altitude generally means the Moon is easier to observe.

Moon Azimuth

Displays the Moon’s direction along the horizon using compass bearings.

This helps you know where to look in the sky.

Moon Zodiac

Shows which zodiac constellation the Moon is currently passing through.

These additional details are valuable for astronomy enthusiasts, educators, and experienced observers who want more than just the current moon phase.

Step 9: Change Your Default Location

Click Settings from the left sidebar to open the Settings page.

The Settings window allows you to manage the app’s default location.

The page displays your saved location information, including:

• Current default location
• Latitude
• Longitude
• Country

For example, your location may appear as:

Los Angeles, California

• Latitude: 34.0522° N
• Longitude: 118.2437° W
• Country: United States

Updating your default location ensures that all moon and sun calculations are accurate for your area.

Note: Location changes take effect after restarting the application.

The lower-right corner of the Settings page also displays the current app version, making it easy to verify which version of the software you are using.

Step 10: Follow the Daily Sun Timeline

Below the Moon visualization, the app displays a complete timeline of important daylight events throughout the day.

These include:

• Night End
• Nautical Dawn
• Civil Dawn
• Blue Hour End
• Sunrise
• Sunrise End
• Golden Hour End
• Solar Noon
• Golden Hour Start
• Sunset Start
• Sunset

This visual timeline makes it easy to understand how daylight changes throughout the day.

It is particularly useful for:

• Landscape photography
• Nature photography
• Outdoor recreation
• Sunrise and sunset planning
• Stargazing preparation

Tips for Using the Moon Calendar & Phases App

To get the best experience from the app, keep these tips in mind:

• Keep your default location updated for the most accurate moon and sun information.
• Use the monthly calendar to plan around Full Moon and New Moon dates.
• Check moon illumination before scheduling astrophotography sessions.
• Review moonrise and moonset times before heading outdoors.
• Use the location search to compare lunar conditions across different U.S. cities.
• Monitor the sunrise and sunset timeline when planning outdoor photography or evening observations.
• Check the Moon’s altitude and azimuth to know where it will appear in the sky.