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Moon Phase in Boston Today

Sunday, August 30, 2026 · United States

Waning Gibbous

93% illuminated

Tonight’s Moon in Boston

Moonrise
Moonset8:40 AM
Peak Altitude54°
DirectionSSE

Best viewing at 1:45 AM facing SSE · 54° above horizon

The Moon & Boston

Population680K
Elevation6m
Clear Nights98/yr
Latitude42.4°N

northern latitude means dramatic seasonal variation in moon altitude

Lunar Culture in Boston

Boston's Harvard College Observatory, established in 1839, was among the first to systematically photograph the moon. MIT's Haystack Observatory continues lunar research today. The city's maritime heritage is deeply tied to lunar cycles: colonial-era shipping relied on tide tables, and Boston Harbor's tidal range of 2.9 meters is one of the largest on the East Coast.

How the Moon Affects Boston

Boston Harbor's significant tidal range governs ship passage, recreational boating, and coastal erosion patterns throughout the year. The New England fishing industry, centered on Gloucester and New Bedford, uses lunar-based solunar tables for commercial and sport fishing. Lobster fishermen in particular track moon phases for optimal trapping conditions.

Best Moon Viewing in Boston

Castle Island in South Boston offers a clear eastern horizon over the harbor. The esplanade along the Charles River provides a scenic moonrise view framed by the Cambridge skyline.

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Upcoming Lunar Events

Next Full MoonSaturday, September 26
Next New MoonThursday, September 10
🌑

New Moon

Thursday, September 10, 2026

🌕

Full MoonHarvest Moon

Saturday, September 26, 2026

🌑

New Moon

Saturday, October 10, 2026

🌕

Full MoonHunter's Moon

Monday, October 26, 2026

🌑

New Moon

Sunday, November 8, 2026

🌕

Full MoonBeaver Moon

Tuesday, November 24, 2026

Moonphase Watches & Boston

Set Your Moonphase Watch in Boston

To set your moonphase complication in Boston: wait for the next full moon (Saturday, September 26), then advance the moonphase disc to show a full moon centered in the aperture. Set the time to midnight local time. Use our drift calculator to check if your complication has drifted since you last set it.

Open Drift Calculator

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Moon Phase in Nearby Cities