crescents

Crescents refer to shapes and symbols that appear in geometry, astronomy, and culture. In geometry, a crescent is a plane figure bounded by two circular arcs that share the same endpoints; the arcs belong to two circles with different radii. The region between the arcs is the difference between two disks, and the shape is sometimes described as a lune. Crescents arise in circle geometry as a classic construct and have properties related to the relative sizes and positions of the defining circles.

In astronomy, a crescent denotes the slender illuminated portion of a celestial body, most commonly the Moon, visible after the new moon and again before the next new moon. The waxing crescent appears after the new moon, typically visible in the western sky after sunset; the waning crescent appears before sunrise in the eastern sky. The exact appearance and orientation of the lunar crescent depend on the observer’s latitude, time of year, and lighting conditions. The term can also be used more broadly to describe partially lit shapes of other celestial bodies when only a part is illuminated.

In culture, crescents are widely used as symbols in art, heraldry, architecture, and iconography. The crescent moon is a familiar emblem in several religious and cultural traditions and appears on the flags and insignia of various nations and organizations. The crescent’s curved form often connotes renewal, transition, or cosmic cycles, contributing to its enduring presence across different contexts.