Lunar Phases

Front

What is a gibbous moon?

Back

A gibbous moon is a phase of the moon that shows more than half of the bright side.

Front

What keeps the moon in orbit around the Earth?

Back

The Earth's gravitational pull on the moon keeps it in orbit.

Front

How long does it take for the moon to complete one full cycle of phases?

Back

It takes about 29 days for the moon to complete one full cycle of phases.

Front

How many days after a first quarter moon do we see a third quarter moon?

Back

We see a third quarter moon about 14 days after a first quarter moon.

Front

What is the phase of the moon when it is completely illuminated?

Back

The phase of the moon when it is completely illuminated is called a full moon.

Front

What is a new moon?

Back

A new moon is a phase of the moon when it is not visible from Earth because the illuminated side is facing away.

Front

What does waxing mean in relation to the moon?

Back

Waxing refers to the phase of the moon when it is increasing in illumination, moving from new moon to full moon.

Front

What does waning mean in relation to the moon?

Back

Waning refers to the phase of the moon when it is decreasing in illumination, moving from full moon to new moon.

Front

What is the difference between a waxing gibbous and a waning gibbous moon?

Back

A waxing gibbous moon is increasing in illumination, while a waning gibbous moon is decreasing in illumination.

Front

What is the first quarter moon?

Back

The first quarter moon is the phase when half of the moon is illuminated and visible from Earth.