Can you see the Moon tonight?

Vanity | Feb 18th, 2010 | TaraP

[ccmay]

That is a rather attractive moon, I must say.

[Mark]

Green eye blonde is MIA

[the_Watchman]

Yes, really. The crescent moon surrounds the moon which is in shadow. In order to see a star between the points of a crescent moon one would have to be able to see through the moon.

[gov_bean_ counter]

Prayers...

My wife told me about that this morning (your night).

[dr_lew]

The rim of the new moon’s crescent always points toward the sun, so its apparent orientation depends on the relative position of the new moon to the setting sun.

On average it trails behind the sun and sets in the same spot, so the crescent is tilted at an angle. If the moon is postioned below this line of motion, so that it sets further south than the sun, it will appear more vertical. If it is above the line, it will set to the north of the sunset, and appear more horizontal ... “lying down”.

In the spring, the new moon will be above the sun and tend to “lie down”. We’re approaching spring now and this is taking effect, but in addition, the moon’s orbit happens to place it even further above the sun’s line of motion than usual on this date, so that it appeared almost horizontal.

Of course, it is never inverted, but I think what you noticed is the near approach of the crescent to a completely horizontal position.

[mowowie]

Duh,.. What was i thinking?

Sorry ‘bout that brain fart.

[TigersEye]

I share a shower/bath with about 8 other men in Iraq. I'm libel to see the moon any time of day. :)

Does that come under the heading of asstronomy or asstrology? I always get the two confused.

[gov_bean_ counter]

:)

Insert inappropriate comment about Uranus here ______.

[Semper Mark]

Not sure if I am imaginging things, but this is the second night that I see a crescent moon with the light on the bottom of the moon, instead of the top???

Is that normal???

It is if you build your far too big.

(Just kidding, TaraP)

[TigersEye]

Aiyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

[TigersEye]

“You can see a lot just by observing.”

That's either Yogi Berra or Coach from Cheers. Two of my favorite philosophers.

[Talisker]

Not sure if I am imaginging things, but this is the second night that I see a crescent moon with the light on the bottom of the moon, instead of the top??? Is that normal???

That's no moon...

[poobear]

Crescent moon rising in the West always has light at the bottom. Bottom left during the Winter Solstice. It’s quite beautiful.