Moon Phases

Front

What are the phases of the Moon?

Back

The phases of the Moon are the different shapes the Moon appears to take as it orbits Earth. They include 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 is the phase when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, and its illuminated side is facing away from Earth, making it invisible to us.

Front

What is a Full Moon?

Back

A Full Moon occurs when the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon, and the entire illuminated side of the Moon is visible from Earth.

Front

What is a Waxing Crescent?

Back

A Waxing Crescent is the phase after a New Moon when a small sliver of the Moon begins to be illuminated, appearing as a crescent shape.

Front

What is a Waning Crescent?

Back

A Waning Crescent is the phase after a Third Quarter when the illuminated part of the Moon is decreasing, appearing as a crescent shape.

Front

What is a Last Quarter Moon?

Back

A Last Quarter Moon, also known as Third Quarter, is when half of the Moon is illuminated and is decreasing in illumination.

Front

What is a Waxing Gibbous?

Back

A Waxing Gibbous is the phase after First Quarter when more than half of the Moon is illuminated and is increasing in illumination.

Front

What is a Waning Gibbous?

Back

A Waning Gibbous is the phase after a Full Moon when more than half of the Moon is illuminated but is decreasing in illumination.

Front

What happens during a Solar Eclipse?

Back

A Solar Eclipse occurs during a New Moon when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun's light.

Front

What is the shape of the Moon during a Full Moon?

Back

During a Full Moon, the Moon appears as a complete circle because the entire illuminated side is facing Earth.