Quote:
Originally Posted by grimsay
Waxing crescent (90% or less).
Different kind of observing. I like to head out for a run just before sunrise. Nothing beats seeing the moon, Venus and, if I'm lucky, Mercury together just as the sun comes up. Put's everything in perspective.
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Ok you've got my head in a spin here. I'm trying to picture what 90% waxing crescent looks like. If the moon is waxing it is in that part of the cycle between new moon and full moon. 90% waxing is near full moon and the moon then rises just before sunset. It is not a crescent at 90% waxing. To see a 90% waxing moon in the morning means the moon will likely be setting a couple of hours before sunrise. Haven't done the maths but a full moon is setting as the sun is rising. Now a 90% waning moon sets a little after sunrise. Either way the moon is on the other side of the sky as the sun and cannot be near any inferior planets such as Venus or Mercury.
A 10% waxing crescent moon can be near Venus and Mercury at sunset if they too are evening objects and set after the sun or a 10% waning moon can be near Venus or Mercury in the morning sky before sunrise if the two planets are rising before the sun. I just want to clarify things and to clear my head as I think it through. Have fun with the moon as it is a great target.