Moon phase synodic cycle
The Moon phase synodic cycle is the average time between identical lunar phases, such as from one full moon to the next.
Also known as: synodic month, lunar phase cycle
How big is it?
29.53 days · mean synodic month
Mean synodic month · approximate
A little perspective
Moon phase synodic cycle vs Venus solar day: duration comparison
The solar day of a Venus solar day is about 3.95 times the mean synodic month of the Moon’s synodic cycle.
ELAPSED TIME
The Moon phase synodic cycle is the average time between identical lunar phases, such as from one full moon to the next.
A Venus solar day is the interval between two successive sunrises at the same location on Venus, which is much longer than an Earth day.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Moon phase synodic cycle
Mean synodic month: 29.53 days; approximate.
The mean interval between matching lunar phases is about 2,551,443 seconds, or 29.5306 days. Individual lunations vary.
The marked mean synodic month is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Venus solar day
Solar day: 116.8 days; approximate; range 116.7 days–116.9 days.
One Venus solar day lasts about 116.75 Earth days, approximately 10.09 million seconds. This differs from Venus’s longer retrograde sidereal rotation period.
The marked solar day is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 29.53 days
We compare the mean synodic month of the Moon’s synodic cycle. This is an estimate; check the notes for its rounding and uncertainty.
The mean interval between matching lunar phases is about 2,551,443 seconds, or 29.5306 days. Individual lunations vary.
The picture identifies the subject; the diagram compares the recorded values. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29.53 days | Not recorded | approximate |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueTime and durationGeostationary satellite orbit23.93 hOrbital periodA geostationary satellite orbit is a circular path above Earth's equator where a satellite moves at the same rate as Earth's rotation, appearing stationary over one longitude.Nearest higher valueTime and durationVenus solar day116.8 daysSolar dayA Venus solar day is the interval between two successive sunrises at the same location on Venus, which is much longer than an Earth day.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- NASA — Moon factsMean lunar orbital speed and synodic phase-cycle context.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
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