If a new moon is at its zenith at 12 PM, when did it start to rise?

To determine when the new moon would have risen, consider its position relative to the horizon throughout the day. When the moon is at its zenith, or highest point in the sky, it is directly overhead. This typically occurs roughly 6 hours after the moon rises, assuming a standard path across the sky.

If the new moon is at its zenith at 12 PM, it would have risen about 6 hours earlier. Thus, subtracting 6 hours from 12 PM gives you 6 AM, indicating that this is the time the new moon began to rise. This understanding of celestial movements is essential in astronomy, as it highlights the predictable patterns of the moon's rise, culmination, and set times throughout its phases.