Is the Waning Crescent Visible Near the Horizon?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the visibility of the waning crescent moon, particularly its position in the sky relative to the horizon and the sun during early morning hours. Participants explore the relationship between the moon and the sun to determine where the waning crescent can be observed.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that the waning crescent moon is visible as a thin sliver before sunrise and will be located in the east.
  • Another participant prompts consideration of the apparent distance between the moon and the sun to determine the moon's position in the sky.
  • A subsequent reply suggests that if the moon is "close" to the sun, it will be near the sun regardless of the sun's position.
  • One participant concludes that the waning crescent would be visible near the horizon as it rises, but questions remain about its visibility due to the sun's glare.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the timing and location of the waning crescent moon's visibility but have not reached a consensus on its exact position in the sky relative to the horizon and the sun.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the apparent distance between the moon and the sun and how this affects visibility, as well as the impact of sunlight glare on the moon's visibility during this phase.

nukeman
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Am I correct here.

Wanning crecent would a thin sliver of a Moon visible in the early morning, just before sunrise. Since the moon rises in the east, and since this moon phase is best seen before sunrise, it will be located in the east.

Also, would wanning crecent be visable near the horizon, or high in the sky?

Thanks!
 
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You have the right idea. Now you ask will it be high or low in the sky. Think about the relationship between the sun and the moon.

What is the apparent distance between the moon and the sun at this time?

Answering this tells you where in the sky the moon is.
 
Integral said:
You have the right idea. Now you ask will it be high or low in the sky. Think about the relationship between the sun and the moon.

What is the apparent distance between the moon and the sun at this time?

Answering this tells you where in the sky the moon is.

This distance would be close correct? So, that would make the sun high in the sky?
 
Since the moon is "close" to the sun, it will be near by no matter where the sun is. In the early morning you wll see it rise before the sun, then when the sun is in the sky, the moon will not be visible due to glare but it is still there.
 
I see...So then wanning crecent would be visable near the horizon, just because as it rises, you cannot see it because of the sun.

?
 

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