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 New Moon?

Back

A New Moon occurs when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, and its illuminated side is facing away from Earth, making it invisible to us.

Front

What is a Full Moon?

Back

A Full Moon occurs when the Earth is between the Moon and the Sun, and the entire illuminated side of the Moon is visible from Earth.

Front

What does 'Waxing' mean in lunar phases?

Back

Waxing refers to the period when the visible portion of the Moon is increasing, moving from New Moon to Full Moon.

Front

What does 'Waning' mean in lunar phases?

Back

Waning refers to the period when the visible portion of the Moon is decreasing, moving from Full Moon to New Moon.

Front

What is the 1st Quarter Moon?

Back

The 1st Quarter Moon occurs about a week after the New Moon, when half of the Moon's surface is illuminated and visible from Earth.

Front

What is the 3rd (Last) Quarter Moon?

Back

The 3rd Quarter Moon occurs about three weeks after the New Moon, when the opposite half of the Moon's surface is illuminated compared to the 1st Quarter.

Front

How many main lunar phases are there?

Back

There are four main lunar phases: New Moon, 1st Quarter, Full Moon, and 3rd Quarter.

Front

What is the sequence of lunar phases?

Back

The sequence of lunar phases is: New Moon → Waxing Crescent → 1st Quarter → Waxing Gibbous → Full Moon → Waning Gibbous → 3rd Quarter → Waning Crescent.

Front

What is a Waxing Crescent Moon?

Back

A Waxing Crescent Moon is the phase after the New Moon, where a small sliver of the Moon is illuminated and visible.