Predicting Moon Phases

Front

What is a new moon?

Back

A new moon is the lunar phase when the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, making it invisible from Earth.

Front

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

Back

About 29.5 days.

Front

What is a full moon?

Back

A full moon occurs when the entire face of the Moon is illuminated by the Sun, making it fully visible from Earth.

Front

What is the difference between waxing and waning?

Back

Waxing refers to the Moon becoming more illuminated (from new to full), while waning refers to it becoming less illuminated (from full to new).

Front

What is a third quarter moon?

Back

A third quarter moon is when half of the Moon is illuminated and is decreasing in illumination, occurring about a week after a full moon.

Front

What is a waxing crescent moon?

Back

A waxing crescent moon is the phase after a new moon when a small sliver of the Moon begins to be illuminated.

Front

What is a waning gibbous moon?

Back

A waning gibbous moon is the phase after a full moon when more than half of the Moon is illuminated but decreasing.

Front

How can you predict the next full moon?

Back

By knowing that full moons occur approximately every 29.5 days, you can add this duration to the date of the last full moon.

Front

What is the significance of the lunar cycle?

Back

The lunar cycle affects tides, animal behavior, and has cultural significance in many societies.

Front

What phase comes after a full moon?

Back

The waning gibbous phase.