Moon Phases

A moon phase is the shape of the illuminated portion of the Moon as seen from Earth, which changes in a regular cycle.

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

A waxing crescent moon is the phase where the Moon is less than half illuminated and is increasing in brightness.

A waxing gibbous moon is the phase where the Moon is more than half illuminated and is still increasing in brightness.

A waning gibbous moon is the phase where the Moon is more than half illuminated but is decreasing in brightness.

A waning crescent moon is the phase where the Moon is less than half illuminated and is decreasing in brightness.

The full moon phase is when the entire face of the Moon is illuminated and appears as a complete circle.

The new moon phase is when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, and its illuminated side is facing away from Earth, making it invisible.

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

The first quarter moon is the phase where half of the Moon is illuminated and is increasing in brightness.