Moon Phases

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What is a Full Moon?

Back

A Full Moon is the phase of the moon when it is fully illuminated by the sun, appearing as a complete circle in the sky.

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How long does it take for the moon to go through all its phases?

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It takes about 29.5 days for the moon to complete all its phases.

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What causes the moon's phases?

Back

The moon's phases are caused by the amount of sunlight reflected onto the moon from the sun as the moon orbits the Earth.

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What is a New Moon?

Back

A New Moon is the phase of the moon when it is not visible from Earth because the sun is shining on the side of the moon that faces away from us.

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What is a Waxing Crescent Moon?

Back

A Waxing Crescent Moon is the phase after a New Moon when a small sliver of the moon becomes visible, increasing in size.

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What is a Waning Crescent Moon?

Back

A Waning Crescent Moon is the phase before a New Moon when the visible part of the moon is decreasing.

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How long does it take for the Earth to complete one rotation?

Back

It takes about 24 hours for the Earth to complete one rotation.

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What is the difference between a Full Moon and a New Moon?

Back

A Full Moon is fully illuminated, while a New Moon is not visible from Earth.

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What is a Waxing Gibbous Moon?

Back

A Waxing Gibbous Moon is the phase after the First Quarter when more than half of the moon is illuminated and increasing.

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What is a Waning Gibbous Moon?

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A Waning Gibbous Moon is the phase after a Full Moon when more than half of the moon is illuminated but decreasing.