Moon Phases

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What are the phases of the Moon?

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The phases of the Moon are the different appearances of the Moon as seen from Earth, which include New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent.

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What is a New Moon?

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A New Moon is a phase of the Moon when the side facing Earth is not illuminated by the Sun, making it appear dark.

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What is a Full Moon?

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A Full Moon is a phase of the Moon when the entire face of the Moon is illuminated by the Sun, making it appear bright and round.

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What causes the Moon's phases?

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The Moon's phases are caused by the amount of sunlight reflected onto the Moon from the Sun, as the Moon orbits Earth.

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How long does it take for the Moon to complete one full cycle of phases?

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It takes approximately 29.5 days for the Moon to complete one full cycle of phases, known as a lunar month.

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What is a Waxing Crescent Moon?

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A Waxing Crescent Moon is the phase that occurs after the New Moon, where a small sliver of the Moon begins to be illuminated.

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What is a Waning Crescent Moon?

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A Waning Crescent Moon is the phase that occurs just before the New Moon, where only a small sliver of the Moon is illuminated and decreasing.

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What is the First Quarter Moon?

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The First Quarter Moon is the phase where half of the Moon is illuminated and visible from Earth, occurring about a week after the New Moon.

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What is the Last Quarter Moon?

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The Last Quarter Moon is the phase where the opposite half of the Moon is illuminated compared to the First Quarter, occurring about a week after the Full Moon.

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What is a Waxing Gibbous Moon?

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A Waxing Gibbous Moon is the phase that occurs after the First Quarter, where more than half of the Moon is illuminated and increasing.