Moon Phases

Front

What is a Moon phase?

Back

A Moon phase is the shape of the illuminated portion of the Moon as seen from Earth, which changes in a regular cycle.

Front

What are the main Moon phases?

Back

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

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.

Front

What is a Full Moon?

Back

A Full Moon occurs when the Earth is between the Moon and the Sun, and the entire illuminated side of the Moon is visible from Earth.

Front

What does Waxing mean in Moon phases?

Back

Waxing refers to the period when the illuminated portion of the Moon is increasing, moving from New Moon to Full Moon.

Front

What does Waning mean in Moon phases?

Back

Waning refers to the period when the illuminated portion of the Moon is decreasing, moving from Full Moon to New Moon.

Front

What is a Lunar Eclipse?

Back

A Lunar Eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Earth's shadow to cover the Moon.

Front

What is a Solar Eclipse?

Back

A Solar Eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun's light partially or completely.

Front

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.

Front

What is a Waxing Gibbous Moon?

Back

A Waxing Gibbous Moon is the phase where more than half of the Moon is illuminated and is increasing towards a Full Moon.