Believe it or not, the moon's near side is its dark side, thanks to a collection of low-lying lunar plains, solidified remnants of ancient seas of molten magma.
The 1st quarter moon happens at the instant of east quadrature, when the moon is 90 degrees east of the sun. The September 27-28 1st quarter moon points to Saturn.
It'll be tough to catch the crescent moon and Jupiter from northerly latitudes. Much easier from southerly latitudes! Watch for these bright worlds, west after sunset.
It'll be the first time since 2008 that the moon occults - or covers over - 3 planets in less than a day. For good measure, the moon also occults a bright star, Regulus.
No matter where you live worldwide, an imaginary line from the moon through brilliant Venus - in the east before dawn - points in the general direction of Mercury and Mars.
Enjoy the moon and Gemini stars, Castor and Pollux, Friday and Saturday mornings. These 2 stars aren't really twins, but they're noticeably bright and close together on the sky's dome.