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Understanding Moonrise and Moonset Times in the United States

June 17, 2026 · The Clime Team
Understanding Moonrise and Moonset Times in the United States

Moonrise and moonset refer to the times when the Moon's upper limb appears above the horizon (moonrise) and disappears below it (moonset). These times vary daily and are influenced by the Moon's orbit around Earth, the observer's geographic location, and the time of year.

Why Do Moonrise and Moonset Times Vary?

The Moon completes an orbit around Earth approximately every 27.3 days, moving eastward relative to the stars. This eastward motion causes the Moon to rise about 50 minutes later each day. Consequently, the times of moonrise and moonset shift daily. Additionally, the observer's location affects these times due to Earth's curvature and axial tilt.

How to Determine Moonrise and Moonset Times

Accurate moonrise and moonset times can be obtained through various methods:

  • Online Calculators: Websites like The Old Farmer's Almanac offer calculators where you can input your city or ZIP code to get precise times for any date.

  • Mobile Applications: Many smartphone apps provide real-time lunar data based on your location.

  • Astronomical Software: Programs like Stellarium allow users to simulate the night sky and determine lunar events for specific locations and dates.

Example: Moonrise and Moonset Times for June 17, 2026

For illustrative purposes, here are the moonrise and moonset times for several U.S. cities on June 17, 2026:

  • Los Angeles, CA: Moonrise at 8:35 PM, Moonset at 5:12 AM.

  • New York, NY: Moonrise at 9:14 PM, Moonset at 5:07 AM.

  • Houston, TX: Moonrise at 8:55 PM, Moonset at 5:52 AM.

  • Miami, FL: Moonrise at 9:31 PM, Moonset at 5:52 AM.

  • Chicago, IL: Moonrise at 9:23 PM, Moonset at 5:38 AM.

These times are approximate and can vary slightly based on specific locations within each city.

Significance of Moonrise and Moonset Times

Understanding these times is essential for various activities:

  • Astronomy: Accurate timings are crucial for observing lunar phases, eclipses, and other celestial events.

  • Photography: Photographers often plan shoots around moonrise and moonset to capture specific lighting conditions.

  • Cultural and Religious Events: Many cultures and religions schedule events based on lunar timings.

Conclusion

Moonrise and moonset times are dynamic and location-dependent. Utilizing reliable tools and resources can help you determine these times accurately for any location in the United States.

(almanac.com)

Frequently Asked Questions