Question #54 – Does the Moon look the same to everyone on Earth?

Answer:

The appearance of the Moon depends on your location on Earth. The Moon orbits above the Earth's equator, so if you are in the northern hemisphere you need to look towards the southern sky to see the Moon. The bright crater Tycho will be at the "bottom" of the Moon.

The reverse is true when viewing the Moon from the southern hemisphere, and Tycho is on the "top". People who live on the equator are in a unique position to view the Moon, as the Moon is directly overhead. If you face south, the Moon's south pole and the crater Tycho will be in front of you. If you face north, it will be behind you.

You can find everything you want to know about the Moon on NASA's Moon page.

The waxing gibbous Moon, November 18, 2007
Image credit: Jeffrey Miller