What phase of the Moon is at its zenith at 3 AM?

The phase of the Moon that is at its zenith at 3 AM is the waning gibbous. To understand this, we need to consider the positions of the Moon, Earth, and Sun in relation to time.

During the lunar cycle, the Moon orbits Earth, causing various phases as we observe it from our position. A full moon occurs when the Moon is on the opposite side of Earth from the Sun, illuminating its fully visible surface. In this phase, the Moon rises around sunset and sets around sunrise. Therefore, at 3 AM, a full moon would not be at its zenith but rather close to setting.

A waning gibbous Moon follows the full moon phase. After a full moon, the Moon will gradually decrease in illumination while still being visible during the night. A waning gibbous typically rises after sunset and is highest in the sky in the early morning hours. Consequently, at around 3 AM, the waning gibbous would be approaching its zenith, making it the correct answer.

In a similar manner, the waxing crescent and waning crescent are phases surrounding the new moon and would not be high in the sky at 3 AM. The waxing crescent rises late