Moon Phases

Front

What is a waning crescent moon?

Back

A waning crescent moon is a phase of the moon where less than half of the moon is illuminated, and it is decreasing in illumination. It appears as a thin crescent shape.

Front

What is a waxing crescent moon?

Back

A waxing crescent moon is a phase of the moon where less than half of the moon is illuminated, and it is increasing in illumination. It appears as a thin crescent shape.

Front

What is a waning gibbous moon?

Back

A waning gibbous moon is a phase of the moon where more than half of the moon is illuminated, and it is decreasing in illumination.

Front

What is a waxing gibbous moon?

Back

A waxing gibbous moon is a phase of the moon where more than half of the moon is illuminated, and it is increasing in illumination.

Front

What is a new moon?

Back

A new moon is a phase of the moon where the moon is not visible from Earth because the illuminated side is facing away from us.

Front

What is a full moon?

Back

A full moon is a phase of the moon where the entire face of the moon is illuminated and visible from Earth.

Front

What is a first quarter moon?

Back

A first quarter moon is a phase of the moon where half of the moon is illuminated and visible from Earth, specifically the right half.

Front

What is a third quarter moon?

Back

A third quarter moon is a phase of the moon where half of the moon is illuminated and visible from Earth, specifically the left half.

Front

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

Back

It takes approximately 29.5 days for the moon to complete one full cycle of phases, known as a lunar month.

Front

What causes the different phases of the moon?

Back

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