Young moon on April 20: Will you see it under a day old?

Occasionally you get the chance to look for a very young moon, less than 24 hours old. Those in North America, may see one just after sunset on April 20.

April full moon – the Pink Moon – falls on April 5-6

The April 2023 full moon – overnight on April 5-6 – is the Pink Moon and lies near the star Spica in the constellation Virgo. Find star charts here.

What is a new moon?

A new moon generally can't be seen, except during a solar eclipse. They cross the sky with the sun during the day. The moon's shadow side is toward Earth.

What is a full moon?

The full moon, opposite the sun in its orbit, shows us its sunlit side. The moon appears full a couple of days before and after the exact moment of full moon.

What is a waxing crescent moon?

A waxing crescent moon shines in the west after sunset, first visible a day or two after new moon with earthshine. It sets after the sun after sunset.

What is a last quarter moon?

The last quarter moon appears a week after full moon and a week before new moon. The moon appears half-lit, like half a pie.

First quarter moon appears half-illuminated

The first quarter moon is halfway between new and full moon. Half of the moon is illuminated and it's a quarter of the way through it's orbit around the Earth.

4 keys to understanding moon phases

As the moon orbits Earth, we see varying fractions of its lighted face. These are the changing phases of the moon. Read four tips to understanding moon phases.

What is a waxing gibbous moon?

A waxing gibbous moon is in the sky before it's dark and lights up the early evening. It's more than half lighted, but not quite full. It sets after midnight.

What is a waning gibbous moon?

The waning gibbous moon falls between the full and last quarter moon. Watch for it to rise late at night. Or see it in the west in the morning.