Full Moon

Next occurrence (UTC):

Typical illumination: 100%

A full moon occurs when Earth is roughly between the Sun and the Moon. The entire Earth-facing hemisphere is sunlit — illumination is near 100%.

How it looks

The disk looks round and bright. Contrast is lower than at quarter phases because there are few shadows; the Moon can wash out fainter stars.

When it is visible

Full moon rises near sunset, stays up all night, and sets near sunrise. It is the brightest night-time moon and the phase people most often notice.

Geometry

Phase longitude is near 180° (opposition). When the alignment is precise and the Moon is near a node, a lunar eclipse can occur.

All moon phases