Pronunciation: [hˈɔːnd mˈuːnz] (IPA) 
The spelling of "horned moons" can be a bit confusing because of the silent "e" at the end of "horned." The IPA phonetic transcription for this word would be /hɔːnd muːnz/. The "h" is pronounced with a short "o" sound followed by an "r." The "o" in "horned" is pronounced with a long "o" sound, while the "e" at the end is silent. The "m" in "moons" is pronounced with a nasal sound, followed by a long "u" sound and then an "n."
"Horned moons" refers to a visual phenomenon occurring during certain phases of the moon, where the crescent shape of the moon appears to have distinctive extensions or projections that resemble horns. This astronomical occurrence is commonly seen during the first and last phases of the moon, known as the waxing and waning crescent phases respectively.
The term "horned moons" combines the concepts of the crescent shape and the curved projections commonly associated with horns. These extensions are caused by the diminishing or emerging illumination of the moon's surface due to the changing position of the Earth, moon, and sun in relation to one another.
The apparent horns of the moon are actually a result of the moon's curved surface and the varying angles at which sunlight reflects off its terrain. The illuminated portion of the moon becomes narrower and eventually disappears during the waning crescent phase, giving the impression of horns growing from the moon. Conversely, during the waxing crescent phase, the horns gradually emerge as the moon's illuminated portion begins to increase.
The term "horned moons" is primarily used to describe the visual appearance of the crescent shape of the moon when it exhibits these horn-like projections. It is often appreciated for its aesthetic beauty and is frequently depicted in artwork, literature, and folklore, symbolizing the mysterious and enchanting nature of the celestial bodies.
The term "horned moons" is not a recognized word with a widely accepted etymology. It appears to be a combination of two separate words: "horned" and "moons".
"Horned" generally refers to something having horns or horn-like projections. It can be used metaphorically to describe the shape or appearance of something, like the crescent shape of a moon.
On the other hand, "moons" refers to natural satellites orbiting celestial bodies, particularly Earth's moon.
As for the etymology of "horned", it traces back to Middle English "horn", Old English "horn", Proto-Germanic "*hurnaz", and ultimately to Proto-Indo-European "*k̑er-". It has been used in reference to animal horns since ancient times and carries associations with strength, power, and various mythological and folkloric symbols.
