Moon Phases and Formation

Front

What is a New Moon?

Back

A New Moon is a phase of the moon when it is not visible from Earth because the illuminated side is facing away from us.

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What is a Sidereal Month?

Back

A Sidereal Month is the time it takes for the moon to complete one full orbit around the Earth, approximately 27.3 days.

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What is a Synodic Month?

Back

A Synodic Month is the time it takes for the moon to go through all its phases, approximately 29.5 days.

Front

What is the difference between a gibbous moon and a crescent moon?

Back

A gibbous moon shows more than half of the bright side of the moon, while a crescent moon shows less than half.

Front

How many phases does the moon go through?

Back

The moon goes through 8 distinct phases.

Front

What is a Full Moon?

Back

A Full Moon is a phase of the moon when it is fully illuminated as seen from Earth.

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What is a First Quarter Moon?

Back

A First Quarter Moon is a phase where half of the moon is illuminated, specifically the right side.

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What is a Last Quarter Moon?

Back

A Last Quarter Moon is a phase where half of the moon is illuminated, specifically the left side.

Front

What causes the different phases of the moon?

Back

The different phases of the moon are caused by the relative positions of the Earth, moon, and sun.

Front

What is a Waxing Gibbous Moon?

Back

A Waxing Gibbous Moon is a phase where the moon is more than half illuminated and is increasing in illumination.