Moon Phases

Front

What are the phases of the moon?

Back

The phases of the moon are the different shapes the moon appears to take as it orbits Earth, caused by the changing angles of sunlight reflecting off its surface.

Front

How many phases does the moon go through?

Back

The moon goes through 8 phases.

Front

What is a full moon?

Back

A full moon is when the entire face of the moon is illuminated by the sun, making it appear round and bright.

Front

What is a new moon?

Back

A new moon occurs when the moon is between the Earth and the sun, and its illuminated side is facing away from Earth, making it invisible.

Front

What does 'waning' mean in relation to the moon?

Back

Waning refers to the period when the moon appears to get smaller after a full moon.

Front

What does 'waxing' mean in relation to the moon?

Back

Waxing refers to the period when the moon appears to grow larger after a new moon.

Front

What causes the moon's phases?

Back

The moon's phases are caused by the amount of sunlight reflected onto the moon from the sun, as seen from Earth.

Front

What is a crescent moon?

Back

A crescent moon is when less than half of the moon is illuminated, appearing as a thin sliver.

Front

What is a gibbous moon?

Back

A gibbous moon is when more than half of the moon is illuminated but not yet full.

Front

What is the cycle of the moon phases?

Back

The cycle of the moon phases takes about 29.5 days, from one new moon to the next.