By Kimberly Turtenwald
Updated Mar 24, 2022
While the moon’s position can sometimes be obvious, locating it consistently requires a few practical steps. Like the sun, the moon rises and sets each day, so it appears in the sky roughly half the time. However, because its rise time doesn’t align perfectly with sunset, it may be visible during daylight depending on the sun’s position.
Begin by finding the local moonrise and moonset times for your area. Most newspapers print this data in the weather section, and online tools such as the Griffith Observatory website and Time and Date let you calculate them yourself.
New moons are invisible, and phases close to new are difficult to spot—especially during the day. Tracking the moon’s cycle helps you know when it will be visible.
Go outside on a cloud‑free night with minimal humidity. A darker sky makes the moon easier to see, even when it’s near the horizon.
When the moon is about to rise, it appears low on the eastern horizon. Buildings, trees, or mountains can obstruct the view, so find an unobstructed eastern outlook.
When the moon reaches its highest point—usually toward the south or southeast—its elevation varies with season and location. Scan both high and low angles to locate it.
During moonset, look westward. Like at rise, obstructions may block the horizon, so choose a clear western view.
Use your hand to shade the sun, then watch for the moon’s faint glow. The moon is dimmer than the sun, so glare can hide it.
