Phases of the Moon

Front

What is a new moon?

Back

A new moon is a phase of the moon when it is not visible from Earth because it is positioned between the Earth and the Sun.

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What is a full moon?

Back

A full moon is a phase of the moon when it is fully illuminated by the Sun and appears as a complete circle in the sky.

Front

What is a waxing crescent moon?

Back

A waxing crescent moon is the phase after the new moon, where a small sliver of the moon becomes visible and increases in size.

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What is a waning crescent moon?

Back

A waning crescent moon is the phase before the new moon, where the visible part of the moon is decreasing and appears as a small sliver.

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What is a gibbous moon?

Back

A gibbous moon is a phase where more than half of the moon's surface is illuminated but it is not yet full.

Front

What is the difference between a gibbous moon and a crescent moon?

Back

A gibbous moon shows more than half of the bright side of the moon, while a crescent moon shows less than half.

Front

How long does it take for the Moon to complete its cycle?

Back

It takes about 1 month (approximately 29.5 days) for the Moon to complete its cycle of phases.

Front

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 and its revolution around the Earth.

Front

What is the position of the moon during a new moon?

Back

During a new moon, the moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun.

Front

What is the position of the moon during a full moon?

Back

During a full moon, the Earth is positioned between the Sun and the moon.