On the Vernal Equinox, you see the Moon in the Waxing Gibbous Phase at an angle of 45 degrees above the eastern horizon. What is the approximate local time?


On the Autumnal Equinox, you see the Moon in the Waning Crescent Phase at an angle of 45 degrees above the western horizon. What is the approximate local time?

In the first case, the moon (at that phase) is still about three days from being full, and rises about 3 hours before sunset. It would be 45 degrees above the horizon at sunset becasue it rises 15 degrees per hour. Therefore it is sunset, which occur at about 7 PM (Daylight Time) on that equinox date.

In the second case, the sun rises 7 AM daylight time. Almost all of the USA is on Daylight time at autumnal equinox). In waning crescent phase, it sets about 3 hours before sunrise. Because of its 45 degree above west location, it will set in about three hours. So the time is about local sunrise or 7 AM, Daylight Time.

These answers are approximate. Precise times depend upon longitude within the time zone and other factors.

To determine the approximate local time based on the phase of the Moon and its angle above the horizon, you can use a few steps. Keep in mind that these calculations will result in an approximation, as there are several factors that can affect the Moon's position in the sky.

1. Understand the Moon's phases and their positions in the sky:
- Waxing Gibbous: Between half-full and full Moon, visible in the afternoon and evening sky.
- Waning Crescent: Between new Moon and half-full Moon, visible in the early morning sky.

2. Determine the Equinoxes:
- Vernal Equinox: Occurs around March 20-21, marking the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Autumnal Equinox: Occurs around September 22-23, marking the beginning of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere.

3. Find the Moon's position above the horizon:
- Waxing Gibbous: In the afternoon/evening, the Moon rises in the east and is visible in the eastern part of the sky.
- Waning Crescent: In the early morning, the Moon sets in the west and is visible in the western part of the sky.

4. Calculate the approximate local time:
- Vernal Equinox, Waxing Gibbous: If the Moon is at an angle of 45 degrees above the eastern horizon, it means it is already above the horizon. Depending on your location, you can estimate that it is around late afternoon or early evening. Therefore, the approximate local time could be around 4-6 PM.
- Autumnal Equinox, Waning Crescent: If the Moon is at an angle of 45 degrees above the western horizon, it means it is still visible in the sky before it sets. Depending on your location, you can estimate that it is around early morning. Therefore, the approximate local time could be around 5-7 AM.

Remember, these estimates may vary based on factors such as your specific location, the time of the equinox, and the accuracy of your measurement. Consulting a detailed astronomy chart or using specialized apps or websites can provide more precise information on the Moon's position and local time.