Predicting Lunar Phases Calendar--

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What is a lunar phase?

Back

A lunar phase is the appearance of the illuminated portion of the Moon as seen from Earth, which changes over a cycle of approximately 29.5 days.

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What are the main lunar phases?

Back

The main lunar phases are New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent.

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

Back

It takes about 29.5 days for the Moon to complete one full cycle of phases, known as a synodic month.

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What is a New Moon?

Back

A New Moon occurs when the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, making it invisible from Earth.

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What is a Full Moon?

Back

A Full Moon occurs when the Earth is positioned between the Sun and the Moon, allowing the entire face of the Moon to be illuminated.

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What is a Waning Gibbous Moon?

Back

A Waning Gibbous Moon is the phase after a Full Moon when the illuminated portion is decreasing but still more than half.

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What is a Waxing Crescent Moon?

Back

A Waxing Crescent Moon is the phase after a New Moon when a small sliver of the Moon begins to be illuminated.

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How can you predict the Moon phase on a specific date?

Back

To predict the Moon phase on a specific date, you can use a lunar calendar or calculate the number of days since the last New Moon.

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What does it mean if the Moon is 'waning'?

Back

If the Moon is 'waning', it means that the illuminated portion is decreasing, moving from Full Moon towards New Moon.

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What does it mean if the Moon is 'waxing'?

Back

If the Moon is 'waxing', it means that the illuminated portion is increasing, moving from New Moon towards Full Moon.