Lunar Cycle

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What is the Lunar Cycle?

Back

The Lunar Cycle refers to the series of phases the Moon goes through as it orbits the Earth, typically taking about 29.5 days to complete.

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What are the main phases of the Moon?

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

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What is a Full Moon?

Back

A Full Moon occurs when the Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun, fully illuminating its surface.

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How long does it take for the Moon to go from New Moon to Full Moon?

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It takes approximately two weeks for the Moon to transition from New Moon to Full Moon.

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What is a New Moon?

Back

A New Moon occurs when the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, making it invisible from Earth.

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What is the First Quarter Moon?

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The First Quarter Moon occurs when half of the Moon's surface is illuminated, and it is one quarter of the way through its cycle.

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What is a Last Quarter Moon?

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The Last Quarter Moon occurs when the Moon is three-quarters of the way through its cycle, and half of its surface is illuminated.

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What is a Waning Gibbous Moon?

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A Waning Gibbous Moon occurs after a Full Moon when more than half of the Moon's surface is illuminated but decreasing.

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What is a Waxing Crescent Moon?

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A Waxing Crescent Moon occurs after a New Moon when a small sliver of the Moon begins to be illuminated and is increasing.

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How can you predict the dates of Full Moons?

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Full Moons occur approximately every 29.5 days, so you can predict them by adding about two weeks to the date of the New Moon.