Moon Phases

Front

What is a New Moon?

Back

A New Moon is a phase of the moon when it is not visible from Earth because it is between the Earth and the Sun.

Front

How much of the moon is always lit?

Back

Half of the moon is always lit by the Sun, but we can only see a portion of it from Earth.

Front

What are the main phases of the moon?

Back

The main phases of the moon are New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent.

Front

What causes the phases of the moon?

Back

The phases of the moon are caused by the moon's movement around the Earth and how sunlight reflects off it.

Front

What is a Full Moon?

Back

A Full Moon is a phase of the moon when it is fully illuminated and appears as a complete circle.

Front

What is a Waxing Crescent?

Back

A Waxing Crescent is the phase of the moon just after the New Moon, where a small sliver of the moon is visible.

Front

What is a Waning Gibbous?

Back

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

Front

What does 'gibbous' mean in relation to the moon?

Back

'Gibbous' refers to the moon being more than half illuminated but not yet full.

Front

What is the order of the moon phases starting from New Moon?

Back

The order is: New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, Waning Crescent.

Front

What is a Last Quarter Moon?

Back

A Last Quarter Moon is when half of the moon is illuminated and it is decreasing in light after a Full Moon.