Lunar Phases

Front

What are the lunar phases?

Back

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

Front

What is a Waxing Crescent Moon?

Back

A Waxing Crescent Moon is the phase where the Moon is less than half illuminated and is increasing in illumination.

Front

What is a Waning Crescent Moon?

Back

A Waning Crescent Moon is the phase where the Moon is less than half illuminated and is decreasing in illumination.

Front

What is a Waxing Gibbous Moon?

Back

A Waxing Gibbous Moon is the phase where the Moon is more than half illuminated and is increasing in illumination.

Front

What is a Waning Gibbous Moon?

Back

A Waning Gibbous Moon is the phase where the Moon is more than half illuminated and is decreasing in illumination.

Front

What is a Full Moon?

Back

A Full Moon is the phase where the entire face of the Moon is illuminated by the Sun.

Front

What is a New Moon?

Back

A New Moon is the phase where the Moon is not visible from Earth because the illuminated side is facing away from us.

Front

What is a First Quarter Moon?

Back

A First Quarter Moon is the phase where half of the Moon is illuminated and is increasing in illumination.

Front

What is a Third Quarter Moon?

Back

A Third Quarter Moon is the phase where half of the Moon is illuminated and is decreasing in illumination.

Front

How long does it take for the Moon to complete one full cycle of phases?

Back

It takes approximately 29.5 days for the Moon to complete one full cycle of phases.