[Avodah] Yom Tov Sheni for Olim LeReget to the Beit http://www.answers.com/topic/lunar-phase

[Danny Schoemann]

From: rabbirichwolpoe at gmail.com
>>  Also see above that the Aruch Laner that states "New moon is never
visible in  the morning" <<

RTK:
> Those of you with scientific knowledge -- is this true?

True; it's not possible to see a Waxing Crescent moon during the first
half of the day. No need to be a scientist; just spend some time
outdoors (gasp!) and after a few weeks you too can become an expert on
this heavenly subject. :-)

But if you want scientific "proof", see http://www.answers.com/topic/lunar-phase

RTK:
> However, see this picture that I found of the new moon apparently visible
> at dawn -- or perhaps this is just /before/ dawn and once the sun rises, the
> new  moon will no longer be visible?
> http://thegreenbelt.blogspot.com/2009/05/sky-watch-new-moon-and-morning-star-2.html

Clearly a mislabeled picture, since the moon lags behind the sun at
that time of the month; that picture was taken a few days before Rosh
Chodesh.

Chodesh Tov,

- Danny, who saw a razor thin moon 2 days ago before HaNetz, and
expects to see similar towards the end of the week at sunset.