The Moon

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Lunar Phases from New to Last Quarter (Best)


 

Fortunately, the moon isn't all that difficult to find at night when it is clear of the horizon, as it is the second brightest object in the sky after the sun. You only need help in finding it when it is cloudy or you're not sure when it will become visible. Its position relative to the sun is dependent on its phase. You also need to know (at least approximately) the compass points from where you expect to observe from (usually near your home). To find its phase, consult the year planner for the current month.
 

New Moon

At new moon, the moon will not be visible at all, unless it passes directly in front of the sun. In this case, it is a solar eclipse.
 

First Quarter

At first quarter, the moon will be due east at mid-day (allowing for daylight savings, such as GMT/BST in the United Kingdom). At the equator, it will always be rising. Worldwide, it will be rising at the summer and winter solstices. At the spring equinox, it will be above the horizon and at the autumn equinox, it will be below the horizon (and not visible), if you live away from the equator.

At 6pm local time, it will be due south (north if you are in the southern hemisphere and at the zenith at the equator) . and will always be visible, unless you are in or near the polar regions.

At midnight, it will be due west. At the equator it will be setting. At the spring equinox, it will be above the horizon and at the autumn equinox, it will be below the horizon (and not visible), if you live away from the equator.

At 6am local time, it will be due north (south if you are in the southern hemisphere). It may only be visible if you are in the polar regions and on odd occassions a few degrees outside the Arctic or Antarctic circles.
 

Full Moon

The moon will be opposite the sun in the sky. It rises around sunset and sets around sunrise.

At full moon, the moon will be due east at 6pm (allowing for daylight savings, such as GMT/BST in the United Kingdom). At the equator, it will always be rising. Worldwide, it will be rising at the spring and autumn equinoxes. At the winter solstice, it will be above the horizon and at the summer solstice, it will be below the horizon (and not visible), if you live away from the equator.

At midnight local time, it will be due south (north if you are in the southern hemisphere and at the zenith at the equator) . and will always be visible, unless you are in or near the polar regions.

At 6am, it will be due west. At the equator it will be setting. At the winter solstice, it will be above the horizon and at the summer solstice, it will be below the horizon (and not visible), if you live away from the equator.

At midday, it will be due north (south if you are in the southern hemisphere). It may only be visible if you are in the polar regions and on odd occassions a few degrees outside the Arctic or Antarctic circles.
 

Last Quarter


At last quarter, the moon will be due east at midnight (allowing for daylight savings, such as GMT/BST in the United Kingdom). At the equator, it will always be rising. Worldwide, it will be rising at the summer and winter solstices. At the spring equinox, it will be below the horizon and at the autumn equinox, it will be above the horizon, if you live away from the equator.

At 6am local time, it will be due south (north if you are in the southern hemisphere and at the zenith at the equator) and will always be visible, unless you are in or near the polar regions.

At midday, it will be due west. At the equator it will be setting. At the spring equinox, it will be below the horizon and at the autumn equinox, it will be above the horizon (and not visible), if you live away from the equator.

At 6pm local time, it will be due north (south if you are in the southern hemisphere). It may only be visible if you are in the polar regions and on odd occassions a few degrees outside the Arctic or Antarctic circles.
 

Between these times

Rising and setting times for the moon are published in most national newspapers but can also be found by checking the links below. If you follow the progress of the moon, it rises and sets approximately 50 minutes later each day at the equator. This can vary if you move north or south. From somewhere 50 degrees north or south of the equator, it can range from 20-80 minutes, with a larger range nearer the pole and a narrower range near the equator.
 

To see some lunar features in more detail click here.

More Information about the moon

NASA Moon Page
Lunar Phases
Nine Planets Moon
US Navy Virtual Reality Moon Phase Pictures

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