Moon Phases

Front

What is the cycle of moon phases?

Back

The cycle of moon phases is the progression of the moon through its different shapes as it orbits the Earth, repeating approximately every 29 days.

Front

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

Back

About 29 days.

Front

What is a New Moon?

Back

A New Moon is the phase when the moon is between the Earth and the Sun, and we cannot see it from Earth.

Front

What is a Full Moon?

Back

A Full Moon is the phase when the entire face of the moon is illuminated by the Sun and is fully visible from Earth.

Front

What does 'waxing' mean in relation to moon phases?

Back

'Waxing' refers to the period when the visible part of the moon is increasing, moving from New Moon to Full Moon.

Front

What does 'waning' mean in relation to moon phases?

Back

'Waning' refers to the period when the visible part of the moon is decreasing, moving from Full Moon to New Moon.

Front

What is a First Quarter Moon?

Back

A First Quarter Moon is the phase when half of the moon is illuminated and visible from Earth, occurring about a week after the New Moon.

Front

What is a Last Quarter Moon?

Back

A Last Quarter Moon is the phase when the opposite half of the moon is illuminated compared to the First Quarter, occurring about a week after the Full Moon.

Front

What causes the moon phases?

Back

The moon phases are caused by the moon reflecting sunlight and the changing positions of the Earth, moon, and Sun.

Front

What is a waxing crescent?

Back

A waxing crescent is the phase of the moon just after the New Moon, where a small sliver of the moon is illuminated and visible.