LoupeLabMoon Phase in New York Today
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 · United States
Waning Crescent
20% illuminated
Tonight’s Moon in New York
Best viewing at 2:00 PM facing WSW · 17° above horizon
The Moon & New York
moderate seasonal moon altitude variation
Lunar Culture in New York
New York's relationship with the moon is framed by its skyline. The phenomenon known as Manhattanhenge, when the setting sun aligns perfectly with the east-west street grid, has a lunar counterpart: moonrise over the East River framed between buildings draws photographers to the Brooklyn Bridge and FDR Drive overlooks twice monthly. The Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History has tracked lunar cycles for public education since 1935.
How the Moon Affects New York
Tidal patterns in New York Harbor are driven by the moon, with a mean tidal range of 1.4 meters at the Battery. These tides historically shaped shipping schedules and continue to affect coastal flooding risk during full and new moon spring tides. The city's fishing communities in Sheepshead Bay and City Island still plan outings around lunar phases.
Best Moon Viewing in New York
For unobstructed moonrise viewing, head to Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City or the High Line's northern terminus. Light pollution is significant, but the moon cuts through it easily.
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Upcoming Lunar Events
New Moon
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Full MoonFlower Moon
Sunday, May 31, 2026
New Moon
Sunday, June 14, 2026
Full MoonStrawberry Moon
Monday, June 29, 2026
New Moon
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Full MoonBuck Moon
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Moonphase Watches & New York
Set Your Moonphase Watch in New York
To set your moonphase complication in New York: wait for the next full moon (Sunday, May 31), then advance the moonphase disc to show a full moon centered in the aperture. Set the time to 3:07 AM local time. Use our drift calculator to check if your complication has drifted since you last set it.
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