Introduction to Moon Phases

Front

What is a New Moon?

Back

The New Moon is the phase of the Moon when it is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, making it invisible from Earth.

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What is a Waxing Gibbous Moon?

Back

A Waxing Gibbous Moon is the phase where more than half of the Moon is illuminated and is increasing in illumination.

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What is a Waning Gibbous Moon?

Back

A Waning Gibbous Moon is the phase where more than half of the Moon is illuminated but is decreasing in illumination.

Front

What is a First Quarter Moon?

Back

The First Quarter Moon is the phase where half of the Moon is illuminated and is increasing in illumination.

Front

What is a Third Quarter Moon?

Back

The Third Quarter Moon, also known as Waning Quarter, is the phase where half of the Moon is illuminated and is decreasing in illumination.

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What is a Waxing Crescent Moon?

Back

A Waxing Crescent Moon is the phase where a small sliver of the Moon is illuminated and is increasing in illumination.

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What is a Waning Crescent Moon?

Back

A Waning Crescent Moon is the phase where a small sliver of the Moon is illuminated and is decreasing in illumination.

Front

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

Back

About a Month.

Front

What is the Far Side of the Moon?

Back

The Far Side of the Moon is the hemisphere of the Moon that is always facing away from Earth.

Front

What causes the Moon phases?

Back

The Moon phases are caused by the relative positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun, which affect how much of the Moon's surface is illuminated.