The 1st quarter moon happens on September 24, 2020, at 01:54 UTC. That’s September 23 for U.S. time zones. Here’s what to look for, and how to recognize this moon phase.

New moons generally can’t be seen. They cross the sky with the sun during the day. This month’s new moon happens on September 17, 2020, at 11:00 UTC.

The moon reaches its last quarter phase on September 10, 2020, at 09:25 UTC.

Half the moon always faces us. And half the moon is always lit by the sun. But, in the language of astronomers, there are no ‘half moons.’

Many people report seeing earthshine on a waxing crescent moon. That’s when the darkened portion of the crescent glows dimly with light reflected from Earth.

You’ll find a waning crescent moon in the east before sunrise. It’s waning toward new moon, when the moon will be between Earth and the sun.

The waning gibbous moon falls between full and last quarter. See it best from late night through early morning.

September’s full moon is at 05:22 UTC September 2, but it will look full before and after that date. What makes the moon look full?

A waxing gibbous moon appears more than half lighted, but less than full. It rises before sundown and sets somewhere between midnight and dawn.