Moon Phases

Front

What is a Sidereal Month?

Back

A Sidereal Month is the time it takes for the Moon to complete one full orbit around Earth, which is approximately 27.3 days.

Front

Why does the Moon appear to change shape in the night sky?

Back

The Moon appears to change shape because as it orbits Earth, different parts of it are illuminated by the Sun, making different phases visible from Earth.

Front

What is the position of the Moon during a Full Moon phase?

Back

During a Full Moon, the Moon is positioned directly opposite the Sun, with Earth in between.

Front

What are the main phases of the Moon?

Back

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

Front

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

Back

It takes about 29.5 days for the Moon to go through all its phases, known as a Synodic Month.

Front

What is the difference between a Sidereal Month and a Synodic Month?

Back

A Sidereal Month is about 27.3 days (the time it takes the Moon to orbit Earth), while a Synodic Month is about 29.5 days (the time it takes for the Moon to return to the same phase).

Front

What is the Third Quarter phase of the Moon?

Back

The Third Quarter phase occurs when the Moon is three-quarters of the way through its orbit, appearing as a half-Moon illuminated on the left side.

Front

What causes lunar eclipses?

Back

Lunar eclipses occur when Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, blocking sunlight from reaching the Moon.

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 towards a Full Moon.

Front

What is the New Moon phase?

Back

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