Phases of the Moon

Front

What is the new moon phase?

Back

The new moon phase occurs when the moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, making it invisible from Earth.

Front

What is the waxing crescent phase?

Back

The waxing crescent phase is when the moon is less than half illuminated and is increasing in illumination.

Front

What is the full moon phase?

Back

The full moon phase occurs when the entire face of the moon is illuminated by the Sun, making it fully visible from Earth.

Front

What is the waning crescent phase?

Back

The waning crescent phase is when the moon is less than half illuminated and is decreasing in illumination.

Front

How many phases of the moon are there?

Back

There are eight distinct phases of the moon.

Front

What is the first quarter phase?

Back

The first quarter phase occurs when half of the moon is illuminated and is increasing in illumination.

Front

What is the waxing gibbous phase?

Back

The waxing gibbous phase is when more than half of the moon is illuminated and is still increasing in illumination.

Front

What is the third quarter phase?

Back

The third quarter phase occurs when half of the moon is illuminated and is decreasing in illumination.

Front

What is the waning gibbous phase?

Back

The waning gibbous phase is when more than half of the moon is illuminated and is decreasing in illumination.

Front

What is the difference between waxing and waning?

Back

Waxing means the moon is increasing in illumination, while waning means it is decreasing.