Phases of the Moon

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What are the phases of the Moon?

Back

The phases of the Moon are the different appearances of the Moon as seen from Earth, caused by the changing positions of the Moon, Earth, and Sun.

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What is a New Moon?

Back

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

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What is a Full Moon?

Back

A Full Moon is the phase when the Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun, and its entire illuminated side is visible from Earth.

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What is a Waxing Crescent?

Back

A Waxing Crescent is the phase after a New Moon when a small sliver of the Moon becomes visible, increasing in size.

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What is a Waning Crescent?

Back

A Waning Crescent is the phase after a Full Moon when the visible part of the Moon is decreasing, appearing as a small sliver.

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What is a First Quarter Moon?

Back

A First Quarter Moon is the phase when half of the Moon's surface is illuminated, occurring about a week after the New Moon.

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What is a Third Quarter Moon?

Back

A Third Quarter Moon is the phase when the opposite half of the Moon's surface is illuminated compared to the First Quarter, occurring about three weeks after the New Moon.

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What is a Waxing Gibbous?

Back

A Waxing Gibbous is the phase when more than half of the Moon is illuminated and is increasing in size, occurring between the First Quarter and Full Moon.

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What is a Waning Gibbous?

Back

A Waning Gibbous is the phase when more than half of the Moon is illuminated but is decreasing in size, occurring between the Full Moon and Third Quarter.

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How does the Moon reflect light?

Back

The Moon reflects light from the Sun, which is why we can see it shining in the night sky.