Are we currently experiencing a waxing or waning moon?

Question

Hi all,
Can someone tell me if the moon is currently waxing or waning? and just to double-check whilst i'm at it, waxing is when the moon is getting bigger and waning when it's getting smaller, right? Thanks in advance

Answer 1

Yes, to wax is to become bigger and to wane is to become smaller.



It is currently waxing. You can tell by seeing if its curve would make a small letter p or a small letter d.



If it is p, it is in the process of waxing. If it is d, it is waning.



The easiest way to remember that is that diminishing begins with a d.

Answer 2

waxing = increasing. When someone is "waxing eloquent", he is using a lot of words (just like this answer).



waning = diminishing.



For the Moon:



Waxing = from New Moon to Full Moon

Waning = after Full Moon to just before New Moon.



waxing crescent (when it is seen in the West, just after sunset -- as in tonight)

waning crescent (when the crescent is seen in the morning, just before sunrise).



waxing gibbous (meaning "with a hump"), between First Quarter (when the Moon is seen as a half-Moon in the sky before midnight) and Full Moon. First Quarter is called that because the Moon has completed the first quarter of its orbit.



waning gibbous: after full Moon but before Third Quarter (or Last Quarter). At Last Quarter, the Moon appears half-lit and is seen after midnight; it begins the last quarter of its orbit.

Answer 3

The first answer above is accurate.



As a rule, in the northern hemisphere, the moon is waning when it looks like a "C" and waxing when it looks like a "D".

Answer 4

If you see the illuminated side of the moon on the right..it's waxing. If the illuminated side is on the left, its waning,

Answer 5

The Moon is waxing. Full moon is on the 21st Feb.

Answer 6

Waxing = getting bigger. As it is doing, right now. Compare from one night to the next and see for yourself.

Answer 7

As above -- but an addition for those of us in North America we will see a Lunar Eclipse on that full moon as well :)