hence the name ecliptic. The nodes precess around the ecliptic axis at the rate of one circuit every 18.6 years. The ecliptic makes the steepest angle to the horizon at the equinoxes. Since the crescent Moon appears near the Sun, the crescent would appear to lie on its back when low above the horizon around the equinoxes. See also Black moon Blue moon Libration Lunar precession Lunar standstill Nodal precession Orbit of the Moon Orbital node Lunar node External links StarChild Question of the Month for March 2002, NASA, accessed February 2006 Ask the Astronomer: How often does a 'Dry Moon' happen with the horns of the Moon pointed straight up?, Astronomy Cafe, accessed February 2006 "Wonderquest: Cheshire Moon, speedy sunset, languid eventide", USA Today, June 10, 2004 http://www.kellscraft.com/ReadingWeather/readingweather09.html (Dry moon reference) Cheshire Moon, a set of songs by Bruce (2004) American folklore