Phases of the Moon

Front

What is the main reason we see different phases of the Moon?

Back

The Moon orbits the Earth, and as it moves, different parts of it are illuminated by the Sun, creating phases.

Front

What is a New Moon?

Back

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

Front

What is a Full Moon?

Back

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

Front

What does 'waxing' mean in relation to the Moon?

Back

'Waxing' refers to the phases of the Moon when it is increasing in illumination, from New Moon to Full Moon.

Front

What does 'waning' mean in relation to the Moon?

Back

'Waning' refers to the phases of the Moon when it is decreasing in illumination, from Full Moon to New Moon.

Front

What is a Gibbous Moon?

Back

A Gibbous Moon is a phase where more than half of the Moon is illuminated but it is not yet full.

Front

What is a Crescent Moon?

Back

A Crescent Moon is a phase where less than half of the Moon is illuminated.

Front

How many phases of the Moon are there?

Back

There are eight primary phases of the Moon: New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent.

Front

What is the position of the Moon during a First Quarter phase?

Back

During the First Quarter phase, half of the Moon is illuminated and visible from Earth.

Front

What is the significance of the Moon's orbit around the Earth?

Back

The Moon's orbit causes the changing phases of the Moon as it reflects sunlight from different angles.