What is a fourth quarter moon?

A fourth quarter moon, also known as the last quarter moon, occurs when the moon is three-quarters of the way through its lunar cycle, appearing as a half-lit disk. This phase happens roughly three weeks after the new moon and one week after the full moon. During this time, the moon rises around midnight and sets around noon, providing a view of the illuminated half facing the Earth. It marks a transition towards the new moon phase, as the moon continues to wane.