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💬 Think about it
Ever wondered why the Moon isn't in the same spot at the same time each day? On a full Moon, when the Sun rises in the east, the Moon is setting in the west. Knowing the phase tells you where to look. Let's find the Moon.
How does the Moon's position in the sky change?
- On a full Moon, the Moon is nearly opposite the Sun.
- As the bright part shrinks, the Moon appears closer to the Sun.
- A waxing Moon is easiest to spot at sunset.
- A waning Moon is easiest to spot at sunrise.
Example:
At sunrise, a half-lit waning Moon appears overhead, then moves nearer the Sun on later days.
💡 A step further
- Many think the Moon rises only when the Sun sets — not always true.
- The Moon rises about 50 minutes later each day.
- Sometimes moonrise is in the afternoon, so it is seen by daylight.
- Moonrise times are listed by the Positional Astronomy Centre.
Important Points
- On full Moon, the Moon is nearly opposite the Sun.
- As it wanes, the Moon appears closer to the Sun.
- Waxing Moon: best at sunset; waning Moon: best at sunrise.
Important Definitions
- Locating the Moon — using the Moon's phase to predict where and when it will appear in the sky.
