Moon Phases Visible from Reykjavík

From Reykjavík at latitude 64.1°, the moon's appearance follows the same 29.53-day synodic cycle visible worldwide — all 8 phases from New Moon through Full Moon and back. However, Reykjavík's polar latitude affects the moon's maximum altitude in the sky. The moon can reach up to 54.5° altitude when crossing the meridian near summer solstice, and only -2.7° near winter solstice. This seasonal variation determines how high the moon appears above Reykjavík's horizon and affects lunar photography planning.

Reykjavik liegt direkt im Pfad der totalen Sonnenfinsternis vom 12. August 2026 — eine von nur zwei Hauptstädten (neben Nuuk, Grönland) auf der Zentrallinie. Auf 64,1°N hängt die verfinsterte Sonne um etwa 17:30 UTC tief am Himmel — eine seltene Gelegenheit, eine Sonnenfinsternis vor Islands Vulkanlandschaft unter der ewigen Sommerdämmerung zu fotografieren.

Moonrise & Moonset Times at Reykjavík

The moon rises approximately 50 minutes later each day as seen from Reykjavík. This daily delay occurs because the moon orbits Earth eastward at about 1 km/s, moving roughly 13° per day against the background stars. At Reykjavík's latitude (64.1°), the moon's rise and set positions along the horizon shift seasonally — rising further north in summer and further south in winter. MoonSync calculates exact moonrise and moonset times for Reykjavík using real-time ephemeris data.

Auf 64,1°N ist Reykjavik die nördlichste Hauptstadt der Welt und erlebt von Ende Mai bis Anfang August die Mitternachtssonne, wobei die bürgerliche Dämmerung um die Juni-Sonnenwende die ganze Nacht anhält. Diese extreme Breite erzeugt die längsten sommerlichen Goldenen Stunden der Erde — bis zu 3 Stunden weiches, bernsteinfarbenes Licht, während die Sonne den Horizont entlangstreift, ohne vollständig unterzugehen.

Moon Illumination & Reykjavík's Dark-Sky Planning

For stargazing and astrophotography in Reykjavík, moon illumination percentage is the critical number. A Full Moon (100% illuminated) washes out all but the brightest stars and makes deep-sky observation nearly impossible. The 7 days around New Moon (0-15% illumination) provide the best dark-sky window. At 64.1° latitude, combine moon phase with the Twilight Calculator to find nights when both astronomical darkness and minimal moonlight coincide — these 'astrophotographer's golden hours' occur roughly once per month at Reykjavík.

Lunar Data Accuracy for Reykjavík

MoonSync computes moon phase, illumination, moonrise/moonset times, and lunar age for Reykjavík using real-time ephemeris data. Phase illumination is accurate to ±1%. Moonrise and moonset times are calculated from Reykjavík's precise coordinates (64.1°, -21.9°) and corrected for atmospheric refraction. The Keplerian orbital model used achieves timing accuracy of approximately ±30 minutes over a synodic month. For sub-minute lunar event timing, consult the USNO Phases of the Moon data service.