Moonrise and Moonset Times

Hi, Mike,

Today's San Jose Mercury News states in the 5 Day San Jose Area Forecast column, that Moonset is at 7:07 a.m.

However, as I drove northwest at 7:10 a.m in Palo Alto, California, the almost full moon appeared at least 5 degrees above the horizon if not more, and in full view. Can you explain the discrepancy?

Thanks,

Frances McVittie

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Hi Frances,

Nice observation. I appreciate your attention to detail.

Moonrise and moonset times are based on when the moon's upper edge sits on the horizon. San Jose, San Francisco and Oakland may seem close to each other, but our undulating topography and latitudes play an important role in what is your horizon and, therefore, create different moonrise and moonset times.

Moonrise and moonset times for Oakland and San Francisco are within one or two minutes. The moonrise times for San Jose are usually the same also. However, the moonset times for San Jose can run 3 - 5 minutes earlier.

Hope this helps,

Mike