Phases of the Moon

Front

What are the phases of the Moon?

Back

The phases of the Moon are the different shapes of the Moon we see from Earth, which change as the Moon orbits around the Earth.

Front

What causes the phases of the Moon?

Back

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

Front

What is a New Moon?

Back

A New Moon is the phase when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, and we cannot see it from Earth.

Front

What is a Full Moon?

Back

A Full Moon is the phase when the entire face of the Moon is illuminated by the Sun, making it fully visible from Earth.

Front

How long does it take for the Moon to complete one 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 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.

Front

What is a Waning Crescent Moon?

Back

A Waning Crescent Moon is the phase just before a New Moon when only a small sliver of the Moon is visible, decreasing in size.

Front

What is a First Quarter Moon?

Back

A First Quarter Moon is the phase when half of the Moon is illuminated and visible from Earth, occurring about a week after the New Moon.

Front

What is a Last Quarter Moon?

Back

A Last Quarter Moon is the phase when the opposite half of the Moon is illuminated compared to the First Quarter, occurring about a week after the Full Moon.

Front

What is a Gibbous Moon?

Back

A Gibbous Moon is a phase when more than half of the Moon is illuminated but it is not yet a Full Moon.