The Moon rises generally in the eastern half of the horizon, similar to the Sun and stars, due to Earth's eastward rotation. For observers outside the polar circles, the Moon consistently rises in the east and sets in the west, although the exact point along the horizon varies seasonally between east- northeast and east-southeast

. The Moon's rising direction shifts slightly depending on its phase and the time of year. For example, near the equinoxes, a full Moon rises very close to due east and sets near due west, roughly opposite the setting Sun

. Throughout the lunar cycle, the Moon rises about 30 to 70 minutes later each day and appears in a slightly different part of the sky due to its orbital motion eastward relative to the stars

. In summary:

• The Moon rises in the east (or close to east) for most locations and times.
• The exact azimuth of moonrise can vary between east-northeast and east-southeast depending on lunar phase and season.
• Near the equinoxes, the full Moon rises almost exactly due east.
• This eastward rising is caused by Earth's rotation and the Moon's orbit around Earth.

Thus, the Moon rises on the eastern side of the horizon.