Hello from Mn. OK,,Is there a way to tell (if you have no idea at all), if the moon is waxing or waning.?

Question

and if so, how? so often times, I look at the moon,,,and wonder (because I DON"T know). I'v heard there is a way,,by which way the moon tilts (does it hold water, or not) theory. But I'v forgotten how it goes. Please refresh my failing memory, so I don't have to run to the calendar to check. THX!!!! .

Answer 1

Yes, there are two ways to tell. First is by the position of the moon in the sky, and second is by which 'side' of the moon seems only partially lit.

The full moon rises at sunset and sets and sunrise. It’s high overhead at midnight. So if you see a less-than-full moon in the sky, it’s position tells you whether it’s waxing or waning. If it rises earlier than sunset and therefore is high in the sky at sunset, it’s waxing. If it rises well after sunset so it’s still in the sky at sunrise, then it’s waning.


Also, the smooth curve of the moon is always pointed toward the sun. So if the smooth curve is toward the west, it’s waxing. If the smooth curve is to the east, it’s waning.

Answer 2

If the moon is bright on the right side, it's waxing - on the left side, it's waning. Remember "Right makes Might" ie. increasing 'strength' as a mnemonic.

Answer 3

Waxing vs. Waning--- on the left side waxing on right side waning

Answer 4

You can see when the last full moon was. wanning would be getting smaller after the last full moon. Waxing would be getting bigger as you get closer to a new full moon.

Answer 5

doesn't it depend on which side of the moon the shadow of the earth falls? i.e.
() = full
|) = waxing
(| = waning