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 the Earth, including new moon, crescent, first quarter, gibbous, full moon, and waning phases.

Front

What is a gibbous moon?

Back

A gibbous moon is a phase where more than half of the moon is illuminated but it is not yet full.

Front

What does it mean when the moon is waxing?

Back

When the moon is waxing, it is transitioning from a new moon to a full moon, appearing to get larger.

Front

What does it mean when the moon is waning?

Back

When the moon is waning, it is transitioning from a full moon back to a new moon, appearing to get smaller.

Front

How does the position of the moon affect its phases?

Back

The moon's phases are caused by its position relative to the Earth and the Sun, affecting how much of its surface is illuminated.

Front

What is a quarter moon?

Back

A quarter moon is a phase where half of the moon is illuminated, appearing as a half circle.

Front

Why does the moon appear larger than stars?

Back

The moon appears larger than stars because it is much closer to Earth, while stars are very far away.

Front

What is a new moon?

Back

A new moon is a phase where the moon is not visible from Earth because the side that is illuminated is facing away from us.

Front

What is a full moon?

Back

A full moon is a phase where the entire face of the moon is illuminated and visible from Earth.

Front

What is the difference between a waxing gibbous and a waning gibbous?

Back

A waxing gibbous is when the moon is getting larger, while a waning gibbous is when the moon is getting smaller.