The moon's phase on Wednesday July, 22 1969 was a "first quarter moon".
The First Quarter Moon
The third phase in the moon's monthly cycle is the "first quarter moon". This waxing moon phase is often mistakenly referred to as a "half moon" because it is half visible. During the first quarter moon, the moon is one-quarter of the way through the overall lunar cycle.
The definition of a first quarter moon is a phase with an illumination of roughly 50%. The phase begins about one week into the lunar cycle. The iconic first quarter moon is often bright enough to spot during the daylight hours.
This moon phase is preceded by the evening crescent moon, and followed by the waxing gibbous moon phase.
The meaning of the first quarter moon
With this moon above we are now deeply rooted in plans and trends which began the week before. Momentum grows by the day. What were once small personal goals and ambitions are now beginning to manifest themselves visibly.
The first quarter moon can also be conflicted: Its divided nature represents both a wealth of progress and a daunting amount of work still undone. Beware of doubts at this time. Know that momentum is with you and let your spirit guide you forwards. Challenges will arise, but they should be met head-on and not avoided.
Is the moon phase the same everywhere?
Is the moon's phase the same everywhere on Earth? Yes! But that doesn't mean moon phases happen on the same "date" for everyone on Earth.
Depending on our time-zone, we each experience the start of a new calendar date at different times. All new dates start at midnight. But in one city, "midnight" can happen 12 hours before midnight in another city.
NOTE: To calculate the exact date of any moon phase, one must account for differences between geographic locations and time zones.
The question "what is the moon phase today?" is a more complicted question than it sounds. "Today" can mean different times in different locations. Furthermore, no matter where you are on Earth, the moon phase continues to progress throughout each day.