Moon phases

Front

What is a moon phase?

Back

A moon phase is the shape of the illuminated portion of the Moon as seen from Earth, which changes over a cycle of about 29.5 days.

Front

What are the main moon phases?

Back

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

Front

What happens during a New Moon?

Back

During a New Moon, the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, making it invisible from Earth.

Front

What is a Full Moon?

Back

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

Front

What does 'waxing' mean in moon phases?

Back

'Waxing' refers to the period when the illuminated part of the Moon is increasing, moving from New Moon to Full Moon.

Front

What does 'waning' mean in moon phases?

Back

'Waning' refers to the period when the illuminated part of the Moon is decreasing, moving from Full Moon to 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 is the First Quarter Moon?

Back

The First Quarter Moon is when half of the Moon's surface is illuminated and visible from Earth, occurring about a week after the New Moon.

Front

What is the Third Quarter Moon?

Back

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

Front

What causes the Moon to shine?

Back

The Moon shines because it reflects sunlight; it does not produce its own light.