Phases of the Moon

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What are the phases of the Moon?

Back

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, Third Quarter, and Waning Crescent.

Front

What causes the different phases of the Moon?

Back

The different phases of the Moon are caused by the angle at which we see the lit Moon as it revolves around the Earth.

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.

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What is a Waxing Crescent?

Back

A Waxing Crescent is the phase of the Moon that occurs after a New Moon, where a small sliver of the Moon becomes visible, increasing in size.

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What is a Waning Crescent?

Back

A Waning Crescent is the phase of the Moon that occurs after a Third Quarter, where a small sliver of the Moon is visible, decreasing in size.

Front

What is a First Quarter Moon?

Back

A 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 a Third Quarter Moon?

Back

A Third Quarter Moon is the phase where the opposite half of the Moon is illuminated compared to the First Quarter, also known as the Last Quarter.

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What is a Waxing Gibbous?

Back

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

Front

What is a Waning Gibbous?

Back

A Waning Gibbous is the phase of the Moon that occurs after a Full Moon, where more than half of the Moon is illuminated but decreasing.