[River Rat]

Moon Phases - T. L. Willis

If you want to determine if the moon is Waxing (getting bigger) or Waning (getting smaller) all you have to do is look when you can see it. If it is visible in the evening sky the Moon is Waxing (getting bigger). If the moon is visible at dawn or in the early morning, it is Waning. Here is a rhyme to help you remember it:

If you see the Moon at the end of the day
A bright Full Moon is on its way
If you see the Moon in the early dawn
Look real quick, it will soon be gone.

Another way to identify a Waxing or Waning Moon is to look at which side is "incomplete". When the Moon is illuminated in such a way that the side facing West is "incomplete" the Moon is Waning (getting smaller). It the side to the East is "incomplete" the Moon is Waxing (getting bigger)

[tjwilhelm]

Great little poem! Thanks! I'm gonna teach that to my students and my kids!

[heysmithy]

Thats kind of like how I remember which way the sun rises and sets. I always remember the song Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers, where he says "The sun may rise in the east at least it's settled in a fine location".

[Unswydd]

That's a great way to remember this. I'm gonna memorize it! Thanks River Rat!

[snowshoe67]

I like that! I've never heard that before ThanksRiver Rat

[AnEnglishmanInWestCork]

never come across that way of remembering it before... nice one

[stairman]

A good way to learn it for sure. I live on the east coast so its a nobrainer. The sun rises in the east and is due south at noon. The moon follows the suns path in the evening. So first thing in the morning if you follow the sun youll be heading southeast. Same with the first part of the night with the moon.

[George]

Originally Posted by River Rat

Moon Phases - T. L. Willis

...
Another way to identify a Waxing or Waning Moon is to look at which side is "incomplete". When the Moon is illuminated in such a way that the side facing West is "incomplete" the Moon is Waning (getting smaller). It the side to the East is "incomplete" the Moon is Waxing (getting bigger)

For Northern Hemisphere:

If Moon resembles letter “C” it will vanish (letter C looks skinny)
If Moon resembles letter “D” it will be full moon (letter D looks fat)


I heard that on Southern Hemisphere is the other way around, but I am yet to check it out.

Somebody knows if true?

[catervatim_rector]

Good to know. Especially to give an indication of when fish are more actively feeding. Well, in theory anyway.