Lunar Phases

Front

What are lunar phases?

Back

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 the term for the phase when less of the Moon’s near side is visible each night?

Back

Waning phase.

Front

What is the term for the phase when more of the Moon’s near side is visible each night?

Back

Waxing phase.

Front

What is the name of the side of the Moon that always faces Earth?

Back

Near side.

Front

What part of the Moon is always illuminated?

Back

Half of the Moon is always lit, but only the near side is visible from Earth.

Front

What is the New Moon phase?

Back

The New Moon phase occurs when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, making it invisible from Earth.

Front

What is the Full Moon phase?

Back

The Full Moon phase occurs when the Earth is between the Moon and the Sun, allowing the entire face of the Moon to be illuminated.

Front

What is a Waxing Crescent Moon?

Back

A Waxing Crescent Moon is the phase where a small sliver of the Moon is illuminated and visible, increasing in size.

Front

What is a Waning Crescent Moon?

Back

A Waning Crescent Moon is the phase where a small sliver of the Moon is illuminated and visible, decreasing in size.

Front

What is a Waxing Gibbous Moon?

Back

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