which direction is the moon

The general direction of the Moon depends on the time, location, and its phase. Typically, the Moon rises roughly from the east and sets roughly in the west, similar to the Sun. However, there is some seasonal variation where it can rise or set in directions slightly north or south of east and west. A simple quick method to find directions with the Moon is using the crescent moon: imagine a line connecting the horns of the crescent, extend it down to the horizon, and that line points approximately south (in northern latitudes) or north (southern latitudes). The Moon's bright side faces approximately toward the Sun's direction, which moves roughly east-west. If the Moon is currently high in the sky, it will be roughly in the southern part of the sky in northern latitudes, reaching its highest point due south. For example, on September 14, 2025, around 8:19 AM (local time Mountain Daylight Time, location near latitude 39.6°N, longitude 104.9°W), the Moon was about 69.6° above the horizon with a compass bearing (azimuth) of about 243°, which is towards the southwest. Thus, the direction of the Moon varies throughout the day and month but generally follows an east-to-west arc across the sky, appearing mostly southern when at its highest in northern latitudes.