Moon Phases

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What are the phases of the moon?

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The phases of the moon are the different shapes the moon appears to take as it orbits the Earth. They include: New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent.

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What is a Crescent Moon?

Back

A Crescent Moon is a phase of the moon where less than half of the moon is illuminated by the sun, appearing as a thin sliver.

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What does 'Waning' mean?

Back

Waning means that the moon appears to get smaller in size as it moves from a Full Moon to a New Moon.

Front

How long does it take for the moon to go from one Full Moon to the next?

Back

It takes about a month for the moon to go from one Full Moon to the next.

Front

What is a Full Moon?

Back

A Full Moon is a phase of the moon where the entire face of the moon is illuminated by the sun, making it appear round and bright.

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What is a New Moon?

Back

A New Moon is a phase of the moon where the moon is between the Earth and the sun, and its illuminated side is facing away from the Earth, making it invisible.

Front

What is the order of the moon phases?

Back

The correct order of the moon phases is: New Moon, First Quarter, Full Moon, Last Quarter.

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What does 'Waxing' mean?

Back

Waxing means that the moon appears to grow larger in size as it moves from a New Moon to a Full Moon.

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What is a Waning Gibbous Moon?

Back

A Waning Gibbous Moon is a phase where more than half of the moon is illuminated but is decreasing in size, moving towards a Last Quarter.

Front

What is a Last Quarter Moon?

Back

A Last Quarter Moon is a phase where half of the moon is illuminated and it is decreasing in size, appearing as a half-moon.