Learning Moon Phase Names

Front

What is a full moon?

Back

A full moon is the lunar phase when the Moon is fully illuminated as seen from Earth, occurring when the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon.

Front

What does 'waxing gibbous' mean?

Back

Waxing gibbous refers to the phase of the Moon when it is more than half illuminated but not yet full, and the illumination is increasing.

Front

What is the new moon phase?

Back

The new moon phase occurs when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, and the side of the Moon facing Earth is not illuminated.

Front

What is a quarter moon?

Back

A quarter moon is when half of the Moon is illuminated, occurring twice in the lunar cycle: first quarter and last quarter.

Front

What is a gibbous moon?

Back

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

Front

How many phases does the Moon have?

Back

The Moon has eight primary phases: new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, last quarter, and waning crescent.

Front

What is the difference between waxing and waning?

Back

Waxing means the Moon's illumination is increasing, while waning means the illumination is decreasing.

Front

What is the significance of the full moon in different cultures?

Back

Many cultures celebrate the full moon with festivals, rituals, and traditions, often symbolizing completion and abundance.

Front

What causes the phases of the Moon?

Back

The phases of the Moon are caused by the relative positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun, affecting how much of the Moon's surface is illuminated.

Front

What is a lunar cycle?

Back

A lunar cycle is the period it takes for the Moon to go through all its phases, approximately 29.5 days.