Predicting Lunar Phases Calendar

Front

What is a lunar phase?

Back

A lunar phase is the appearance of the illuminated portion of the Moon as seen from Earth, which changes in a cycle of about 29.5 days.

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What are the main lunar phases?

Back

The main lunar 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 occurs when the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, making it invisible from Earth.

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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.

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What does 'Waxing' mean in lunar phases?

Back

'Waxing' refers to the period when the visible portion of the Moon is increasing, from New Moon to Full Moon.

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What does 'Waning' mean in lunar phases?

Back

'Waning' refers to the period when the visible portion of the Moon is decreasing, 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 approximately 29.5 days for the Moon to complete one full cycle of phases.

Front

What is the Third Quarter Moon?

Back

The Third Quarter Moon occurs when half of the Moon's surface is illuminated and it is decreasing in visibility, appearing as a half-circle.

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What is the First Quarter Moon?

Back

The First Quarter Moon occurs when half of the Moon's surface is illuminated and it is increasing in visibility, also appearing as a half-circle.

Front

How can you predict the lunar phase on a specific date?

Back

You can predict the lunar phase by knowing the current phase and counting the days forward or backward in the lunar cycle.