Phases of the Moon

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What are the phases of the Moon?

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The phases of the Moon are the different shapes the Moon appears to take as it orbits Earth. They include New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent.

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What causes the phases of the Moon?

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The phases of the Moon are caused by the changing positions of the Moon, Earth, and Sun. As the Moon orbits Earth, different parts of it are illuminated by the Sun, creating the phases.

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What is a New Moon?

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A New Moon is the phase when the Moon is between Earth and the Sun, and its illuminated side is facing away from Earth, making it invisible to us.

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What is a Full Moon?

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A Full Moon is the phase when the Moon is on the opposite side of Earth from the Sun, and its entire illuminated side is visible from 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 about 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 a New Moon, where a small sliver of the Moon is illuminated and visible, increasing in size.

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What is a Waning Gibbous Moon?

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

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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 half of the Moon is illuminated and visible from Earth, 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 in size.