Lunar Cycle

Front

What does waning mean?

Back

appears to get SMALLER

Front

What does waxing mean?

Back

appears to get BIGGER

Front

What does gibbous mean?

Back

MORE light

Front

What does crescent mean?

Back

LESS light

Front

What is the lunar cycle?

Back

The lunar cycle is the sequence of phases the Moon goes through as it orbits Earth, typically lasting about 29.5 days.

Front

What are the main phases of the lunar cycle?

Back

The main phases are New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent.

Front

What is a New Moon?

Back

A New Moon is the phase when the Moon is between Earth and the Sun, and it is not visible from Earth.

Front

What is a Full Moon?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between waxing and waning?

Back

Waxing means the Moon appears to get bigger, while waning means it appears to get smaller.

Front

What is a waxing crescent?

Back

A waxing crescent is the phase of the Moon where a small sliver of light is visible, and it is increasing in size.