1. Location of the "Tips"
* Waxing Crescent: The "tips" of the crescent moon will be pointing to the right (east) as viewed from the Northern Hemisphere.
* Waning Crescent: The "tips" of the crescent moon will be pointing to the left (west) as viewed from the Northern Hemisphere.
2. Time of Day
* Waxing Crescent: Visible in the evening sky after sunset.
* Waning Crescent: Visible in the morning sky before sunrise.
3. Shape of the Crescent
* Waxing Crescent: The illuminated portion of the moon is getting larger each night.
* Waning Crescent: The illuminated portion of the moon is getting smaller each night.
Important Note: The crescent moon is most visible shortly after sunset (waxing) or before sunrise (waning). If you see it in the middle of the day, it's likely a different lunar phase!
Here's a helpful memory tool:
* Waxing: Think of the moon "waxing" larger like a candle's flame.
* Waning: Think of the moon "waning" smaller like the moon's light "waning" before it disappears.
