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of the Zodiac on the December solstice.
• That's because the first quarter moon resides 90o (one-quarter circle) east of the sun as measured on the great circle of the ecliptic. In like vein, the December solstice point lies 90o east of the September equinox point.
• Because the September equinox is the Northern Hemisphere's autumn equinox, tonight's moon approximates the position of the sun on the winter solstice. At sunset today in the Northern Hemisphere, look for tonight's moon to mimic the noonday winter solstice sun.
• In the Southern Hemisphere, on the other hand, the September equinox is the spring equinox. At sunset in the Southern Hemisphere, today's first quarter moon assumes the lofty position of the noonday summer solstice sun.
• The September equinox - the Northern Hemisphere's autumn equinox and the Southern Hemisphere's spring equinox - occurs on or near September 22 every year. Yet, the close alignment of the first quarter moon with the September equinox only happens in cycles of nineteen years.
• Take advantage of today's rather rare alignment of the September equinox and the first quarter moon on September 22, 2012. At sunset today, the first quarter moon enables you to envision the position of the noonday December solstice sun!