Phases of the Moon

Front

What are the phases of the Moon?

Back

The phases of the Moon are the different shapes of the Moon as seen from Earth, which change in a cycle due to the Moon's position relative to the Earth and the Sun.

Front

What is the first phase of the Moon?

Back

The first phase of the Moon is the New Moon, when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun and is not visible from Earth.

Front

What is the phase of the Moon when it is fully illuminated?

Back

The phase of the Moon when it is fully illuminated is called the Full Moon.

Front

What is a Waxing Crescent Moon?

Back

A Waxing Crescent Moon is the phase that occurs after the New Moon, where a small sliver of the Moon becomes visible and increases in size.

Front

What is a Waning Crescent Moon?

Back

A Waning Crescent Moon is the phase that occurs after the Last Quarter, where the visible part of the Moon decreases until it becomes a New Moon.

Front

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

Back

It takes about 29.5 days for the Moon to complete one full cycle of phases.

Front

What causes the phases of the Moon?

Back

The phases of the Moon are caused by the changing angles of sunlight hitting the Moon as it orbits the Earth.

Front

What is the difference between a Waxing Gibbous and a Waning Gibbous Moon?

Back

A Waxing Gibbous Moon is when more than half of the Moon is illuminated and increasing, while a Waning Gibbous Moon is when more than half is illuminated and decreasing.

Front

What is the Third Quarter phase of the Moon?

Back

The Third Quarter phase is when half of the Moon is illuminated and it is decreasing in size, appearing as a half Moon.

Front

What is the significance of the Moon's light?

Back

The Moon does not produce its own light; it reflects sunlight, which is why we can see it from Earth.