Phases of the Moon

Front

What is the Full Moon phase?

Back

The Full Moon phase occurs when the Moon is fully illuminated by the Sun, appearing as a complete circle in the sky.

Front

What is the Waxing Gibbous phase?

Back

The Waxing Gibbous phase is when more than half of the Moon is illuminated and is increasing in brightness, leading up to the Full Moon.

Front

What is the Waning Gibbous phase?

Back

The Waning Gibbous phase occurs after the Full Moon when the illumination is decreasing, but more than half of the Moon is still visible.

Front

What is the Waning Crescent phase?

Back

The Waning Crescent phase is when less than half of the Moon is illuminated and is decreasing in brightness, leading to the New Moon.

Front

What is the New Moon phase?

Back

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

Front

What is the 1st Quarter phase?

Back

The 1st Quarter phase occurs when half of the Moon is illuminated and is increasing in brightness, appearing as a half-circle.

Front

What is the 3rd Quarter phase?

Back

The 3rd Quarter phase occurs when half of the Moon is illuminated but is decreasing in brightness, also appearing as a half-circle.

Front

How long does it take for the Moon to complete all its phases?

Back

It takes approximately 29.5 days for the Moon to complete all its phases, known as a lunar month.

Front

What causes the different phases of the Moon?

Back

The different 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 the difference between Waxing and Waning phases?

Back

Waxing phases are when the Moon's illumination is increasing, while Waning phases are when the illumination is decreasing.