LoupeLabMoon Phase in Washington DC Today
Thursday, May 14, 2026 · United States
Waning Crescent
8% illuminated
Tonight’s Moon in Washington DC
Best viewing at 2:00 PM facing WSW · 45° above horizon
The Moon & Washington DC
Potomac River valley affects low-horizon visibility
Lunar Culture in Washington DC
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum houses Apollo lunar samples and the command module from Apollo 11. The U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington has calculated and published lunar ephemeris data for navigation since 1830. The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool creates a famous moonlit scene, and the Washington Monument's shadow during a full moon is a photographer's tradition.
How the Moon Affects Washington DC
The Potomac River is tidal through Washington DC, with lunar-driven water level changes of about 0.9 meters at the Georgetown waterfront. The Chesapeake Bay, downstream, has the largest tidal estuary in the United States, and its blue crab, oyster, and rockfish populations are all influenced by lunar tidal flushing patterns.
Best Moon Viewing in Washington DC
The steps of the Lincoln Memorial face east and offer an unobstructed view of moonrise over the Capitol dome. Hains Point at East Potomac Park provides a lower, water-level perspective across the Tidal Basin.
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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 & Washington DC
Set Your Moonphase Watch in Washington DC
To set your moonphase complication in Washington DC: 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 4:10 AM local time. Use our drift calculator to check if your complication has drifted since you last set it.
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