Understanding the Phases of the Moon

Front

*Front:* New Moon

Back

is between Earth and Sun; not visible

Front

*Front:* Waxing Crescent

Back

side illuminated; growing

Front

*Front:* First Quarter

Back

of the Moon's right side visible

Front

*Front:* Waxing Gibbous

Back

than half visible; increasing

Front

*Front:* Full Moon

Back

face illuminated

Front

*Front:* Waning Gibbous

Back

than half visible; decreasing

Front

*Front:* Last Quarter

Back

of the Moon's left side visible

Front

*Front:* Waning Crescent

Back

side illuminated; shrinking

Front

*Front:* Synodic Month

Back

days; full cycle of phases

Front

*Front:* Lunar Eclipse

Back

between Sun and Moon; shadow on Moon