Phases of the Moon

Front

What are the phases of the Moon?

Back

The phases of the Moon are the different appearances of the Moon as seen from Earth, caused by the changing positions of the Moon, Earth, and Sun.

Front

How many phases of the Moon are there?

Back

There are eight distinct phases of the Moon.

Front

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 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 is a Waxing Crescent Moon?

Back

A Waxing Crescent Moon is the phase after the New Moon, where a small sliver of the Moon becomes visible, increasing in size.

Front

What is a First Quarter Moon?

Back

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

Front

What is a Waxing Gibbous Moon?

Back

A Waxing Gibbous Moon is the phase after the First Quarter, where more than half of the Moon is illuminated but not yet full.

Front

What is a Full Moon?

Back

A Full Moon is when the entire face of the Moon is illuminated, occurring about two weeks after the New Moon.

Front

What is a Waning Gibbous Moon?

Back

A Waning Gibbous Moon is the phase after a Full Moon, where the illuminated portion is decreasing.

Front

What is a Last Quarter Moon?

Back

A Last Quarter Moon is when half of the Moon is illuminated, but the illuminated side is opposite to that of the First Quarter.