Causes of Lunar Phases

Front

What is the phase of the Moon when it is on the opposite side of Earth from the Sun?

Back

Full Moon

Front

What do we call the phase of the Moon that appears larger than a half moon but not fully illuminated?

Back

Gibbous Moon

Front

How long does one complete cycle of lunar phases take?

Back

29.5 days

Front

What does the term 'waxing' refer to in lunar phases?

Back

It means the Moon is becoming larger, stronger, or brighter.

Front

What is the phase of the Moon when it is at a right angle to the Earth relative to the Sun?

Back

Quarter Moon

Front

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

Back

New Moon

Front

What is the term for the phase of the Moon that occurs after a new moon and before a full moon?

Back

Waxing Crescent

Front

What is the term for the phase of the Moon that occurs after a full moon and before a new moon?

Back

Waning Gibbous

Front

What is the name of the phase when the Moon is half illuminated and decreasing in size?

Back

Waning Quarter

Front

What is the name of the phase when the Moon is half illuminated and increasing in size?

Back

Waxing Quarter