Moon Phases

Front

What are the eight primary phases of the Moon?

Back

New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, Waning Crescent.

Front

What is the phase of the Moon when it is completely illuminated?

Back

Full Moon.

Front

What is the phase of the Moon when it is not visible from Earth?

Back

New Moon.

Front

What is the term for the phase of the Moon between the New Moon and the Full Moon?

Back

Waxing phases.

Front

What is the term for the phase of the Moon between the Full Moon and the New Moon?

Back

Waning phases.

Front

What is the difference between the First Quarter and Third Quarter Moon phases?

Back

The First Quarter is when half of the Moon is illuminated and is increasing in illumination, while the Third Quarter is when half of the Moon is illuminated and is decreasing in illumination.

Front

What does the term 'waxing' mean in relation to the Moon phases?

Back

'Waxing' refers to the period when the illuminated portion of the Moon is increasing.

Front

What does the term 'waning' mean in relation to the Moon phases?

Back

'Waning' refers to the period when the illuminated portion of the Moon is decreasing.

Front

How long does it take for the Moon to complete one full cycle of phases?

Back

Approximately 29.5 days.

Front

What is a waxing gibbous Moon?

Back

A waxing gibbous Moon is the phase where more than half of the Moon is illuminated but it is not yet full.