Moon Phases & Tides

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What are the phases of the Moon?

Back

The phases of the Moon include New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent.

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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 appear fully round.

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What is a New Moon?

Back

A New Moon is the phase when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, and its illuminated side is facing away from the Earth, making it invisible.

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

Back

'Waxing' refers to the phases of the Moon when it is getting bigger and brighter, from New Moon to Full Moon.

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

Back

'Waning' refers to the phases of the Moon when it is getting smaller and darker, from Full Moon to New Moon.

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What causes tides?

Back

Tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun on Earth's oceans, leading to the regular rise and fall of ocean levels.

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What is a tide?

Back

A tide is the regular rise and fall of ocean levels caused by the gravitational forces exerted by the Moon and the Sun.

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What is a First Quarter Moon?

Back

A First Quarter Moon is the phase when half of the Moon's surface is illuminated, and it appears as a half-circle.

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What is a Last Quarter Moon?

Back

A Last Quarter Moon is the phase when the opposite half of the Moon's surface is illuminated compared to the First Quarter, also appearing as a half-circle.

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What is a Waxing Crescent Moon?

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A Waxing Crescent Moon is the phase after the New Moon when a small sliver of the Moon begins to be illuminated.