Moon Phases

Front

What is a waning crescent moon?

Back

A waning crescent moon is a phase of the moon where less than half of the moon is illuminated, and it is decreasing in illumination. It occurs after the last quarter and before the new moon.

Front

What is a waxing crescent moon?

Back

A waxing crescent moon is a phase of the moon where less than half of the moon is illuminated, and it is increasing in illumination. It occurs after the new moon and before the first quarter.

Front

What is a waning gibbous moon?

Back

A waning gibbous moon is a phase of the moon where more than half of the moon is illuminated, and it is decreasing in illumination. It occurs after the full moon and before the last quarter.

Front

What is a waxing gibbous moon?

Back

A waxing gibbous moon is a phase of the moon where more than half of the moon is illuminated, and it is increasing in illumination. It occurs after the first quarter and before the full moon.

Front

What is a new moon?

Back

A new moon is a phase of the moon where the moon is not visible from Earth because the illuminated side is facing away from us.

Front

What is a full moon?

Back

A full moon is a phase of the moon where the entire face of the moon is illuminated and visible from Earth.

Front

What is the order of moon phases starting from the new moon?

Back

The order of moon phases starting from the new moon is: New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, Waning Crescent.

Front

What happens during the first quarter moon?

Back

During the first quarter moon, half of the moon is illuminated and visible from Earth, and it is transitioning from a waxing crescent to a waxing gibbous.

Front

What happens during the third quarter moon?

Back

During the third quarter moon, half of the moon is illuminated and visible from Earth, and it is transitioning from a waning gibbous to a waning crescent.

Front

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

Back

It takes approximately 29.5 days for the moon to complete one full cycle of phases, known as a lunar month.