What time will a waxing crescent moon be at its zenith?

To determine when a waxing crescent moon will be at its zenith, which means it is at its highest point in the sky, it's important to understand the position of the moon in relation to the Earth and the Sun. A waxing crescent moon occurs shortly after the new moon phase, where only a small sliver of the moon is illuminated.

Typically, the moon rises approximately 50 minutes later each day due to its orbit around the Earth. During a waxing crescent phase, the moon will be visible in the afternoon sky following its rising around midday. When it is a waxing crescent, it reaches its highest point, or zenith, around mid-afternoon, making this the time it is most prominently visible.

Thus, the time of day around which a waxing crescent moon will be at its zenith is in the early afternoon, specifically around 3 PM. This timing aligns with the moon's position as it will still be up in the sky while the sun is setting, making it easier to spot as it reaches its peak elevation in the sky.