Moon Phases

Front

What are the phases of the Moon?

Back

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

Front

What is a New Moon?

Back

A New Moon is the phase when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, and the side of the Moon facing Earth is not illuminated.

Front

What is a Full Moon?

Back

A Full Moon occurs when the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon, and the entire face of the Moon is illuminated.

Front

What does waxing mean in relation to the Moon?

Back

Waxing means the Moon is getting bigger or more illuminated, moving from New Moon to Full Moon.

Front

What does waning mean in relation to the Moon?

Back

Waning means the Moon is getting smaller or less illuminated, moving from Full Moon to New Moon.

Front

What is a Crescent Moon?

Back

A Crescent Moon is a phase where less than half of the Moon is illuminated, appearing as a thin sliver.

Front

What is a Gibbous Moon?

Back

A Gibbous Moon is a phase where more than half of the Moon is illuminated but not yet full.

Front

What is the First Quarter Moon?

Back

The First Quarter Moon is the phase where half of the Moon is illuminated and appears as a half-circle.

Front

What is the Last Quarter Moon?

Back

The Last Quarter Moon is the phase where the opposite half of the Moon is illuminated compared to the First Quarter.

Front

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

Back

It takes about 29.5 days for the Moon to complete one full cycle of phases.