GlensDomain.com Moon Phases
Moon Phase for Saturday May 23, 2009
Waning Crescent — 10% Illuminated
|
Wednesday May 20, 2009 
26% — Waning Crescent |
Thursday May 21, 2009 
18% — Waning Crescent |
Friday May 22, 2009 
12% — Waning Crescent |
Sunday May 24, 2009 
0% — New |
Monday May 25, 2009 
8% — Waxing Crescent |
Tuesday May 26, 2009 
16% — Waxing Crescent |
Waning Crescent Phase
In the waning crescent phase the Moon's illumination is growing smaller each day until the New Moon. During this part of the Moon cycle, the Moon is getting closer to the Sun as viewed from Earth and the night side of the Moon is facing the Earth with only a small edge of the Moon being illuminated.
This phase is best viewed an hour or 2 before the sunrise and can be quite beautiful if you're willing to get up early. It can also be a great time to see the features of the Moon's surface.
Along the edge where the illuminated portion meets the dark side, the craters and mountains cast long shadows making them easier to observe with a telescope or binoculars.