3D View – Explore the Moon
Explore the relationship between the Moon, Earth and Sun — the celestial geometry that shapes the moon's phases. In 3D you can orbit around the moon from any angle to see how sunlight and shadow create crescents, quarters and full moons. Drag to rotate, scroll to zoom.
How we calculate
We compute moon phase and illumination using standard astronomical algorithms. The 3D model applies the correct lighting for your chosen date and time. Textures are from NASA's LRO/LROC and CGI Moon Kit — public domain.
Phase and illumination
Moon phase describes how much of the sunlit hemisphere we see. Illumination is the lit fraction of the visible disk (0% = new moon, 100% = full moon). The terminator — the line between day and night on the moon — moves as the phase changes. In 3D you can view it from any perspective.
About this view
The 3D view lets you observe the Moon–Earth–Sun alignment that determines each phase. Orbit freely around the moon to study its surface, craters and how the terminator (day–night boundary) shifts. The displayed phase matches your selected date and time.