This is the time (universal) of the last New Moon, the last time the side of the moon being illuminated by the Sun was away from us. The average time a phase cycle lasts (New Moon to New Moon) is 29.53058868 days. This is called a Synodic Month.
This is the time (universal) of the current First Quarter, that is the first time we see exactly half of the Moon’s surface illuminated by the Sun during a phase cycle. Between a New Moon and the First Quarter the Moon is said to be “Waxing Crescent”.
This is the time (universal) of the current Full Moon, that is the time when the entire face of the Moon as we see it is illuminated by the Sun. Between the First Quarter and a Full Moon, the Moon is said to be “Waxing Gibbous”.
This is the time (universal) of the current Last Quarter, that is the second time we see exactly half of the Moon’s surface illuminated by the Sun during a phase cycle. Between a Full Moon and the Last Quarter, the Moon is said to be “Waning Gibbous”.
This is the time (universal) of the next New Moon, that is the next time the side of the Moon being illuminated by the Sun will be away from us. Between the Last Quarter and a Full Moon, the Moon is said to be “Waning Crescent”.
