Abstract The plasmapause position is crucial for understanding magnetospheric dynamics and space weather forecasting. This study pioneers the integration of lunar phase (LP) into plasmapause modeling using two neural network architectures (BP and fully connected neural network) and a large database of 37,869 crossing events from 1977 to 2015. Our LPācoupled models achieved a 15% reduction in root mean square error compared to prior artificial neural network models and outperforms empirical benchmarks (e.g., new solar windādriven global dynamic plasmapause model), with optimal performance in the dusk sector (18ā24 magnetic local time) where lunar tidal effects peak. This work establishes LP as a critical modulator of plasmapause dynamics, challenging the conventional solar windādriven paradigm. The neural network framework combining LP modulation with solar wind/geomagnetic parameters yields significant improvements in global plasmapause prediction accuracy, providing a foundation for more precise space weather forecasting. Future research could further refine predictions by incorporating realātime tilt angle data and coupling with firstāprinciples simulations of neutral atmosphere tides.