Here is a quick little tip for all you budding amateur astronomers out there, which you can use to amaze your friends with your knowledge of the heavens with.

If you (or one of your friends) are wondering whether the moon is waxing (getting bigger towards full moon) or waning (going towards new, just remember this little trick.

If the lit side is towards the right it forms a D, right. So just think of the word Debut (beginning, or opening in French). So the moon is growing towards full.

If the lit side is to the left it forms a C. So just think of the word Close, the moon is closing towards new.

Cool trick huh?