Moon Phases

Front

What are the phases of the moon?

Back

The phases of the moon are the different shapes the moon appears to take as it orbits Earth, including New Moon, Crescent Moon, First Quarter, Gibbous Moon, Full Moon, and Last Quarter.

Front

How long does the moon cycle last?

Back

The moon cycle lasts about one month.

Front

What is a New Moon?

Back

A New Moon is the phase when the moon is between the Earth and the sun, and it is not visible from Earth.

Front

What is a Full Moon?

Back

A Full Moon is the phase when the entire face of the moon is illuminated and visible from Earth.

Front

What is a Crescent Moon?

Back

A Crescent Moon is when a small section of the moon facing Earth is lighted, appearing as a thin sliver.

Front

What is a Last Quarter Moon?

Back

A Last Quarter Moon, also known as the third quarter, is when half of the moon is illuminated and the other half is dark.

Front

What causes the phases of the moon?

Back

The phases of the moon are caused by the moon's movement around Earth and the changing angles of sunlight that illuminate it.

Front

What is the difference between a Gibbous Moon and a Crescent Moon?

Back

A Gibbous Moon is when more than half of the moon is illuminated, while a Crescent Moon is when less than half is illuminated.

Front

What is the term for the moon's orbit around Earth?

Back

The term for the moon's orbit around Earth is revolution.

Front

How many main phases does the moon have?

Back

The moon has eight main phases: New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent.