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What is a waning crescent moon?
A waning crescent moon can be found in the east before sunrise. It's waning toward new moon, when the moon will be between Earth and the sun.
January 1, 2022
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. It quickly follows the sun below the western horizon.
January 1, 2022
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.
January 1, 2022
What is a waning gibbous moon?
The waning gibbous moon falls between full and last quarter. Watch for it to rise late at night. Or see it in the west in the morning.
January 1, 2022
2021 moon phases, with distances from Earth
2021 moon phases in a chart format. Dates closest to new moon provide the darkest skies and the best opportunities for stargazing and meteor-watching.
July 30, 2021
Young moon: can you see one under 24 hours old?
Occasionally you get the chance to look for a very young moon, less than 24 hours old. Look just after sunset. Optical aid may help catch a very thin moon.
April 12, 2021
People sleep less before a full moon
Researchers find that whether you live in a rural or urban environment, your sleep patterns are affected by the full moon. On the nights leading up to full moon, people fall asleep later and sleep less overall.
February 25, 2021
Do we all see the same moon phase?
No matter where you are on the globe, we all see the same moon. So why do photos from a distant location sometimes look different from what you're seeing?
February 24, 2021
Moon phases 2021 in text format
Read a list of the phases of the moon for all of 2021.
December 1, 2020
Quarter moon or a half moon?
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.'
August 25, 2020
