Phases of the Moon

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What are the phases of the Moon?

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The phases of the Moon are the different appearances of the Moon as seen from Earth, caused by the changing positions of the Moon, Earth, and Sun.

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What is a new moon?

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A new moon is the phase of the Moon when it is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, making it invisible from Earth.

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What is a full moon?

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A full moon is the phase of the Moon when it is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun, fully illuminated and visible.

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What does 'waxing' mean in relation to the Moon?

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Waxing means that the visible portion of the Moon is increasing, moving from new moon to full moon.

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What does 'waning' mean in relation to the Moon?

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Waning means that the visible portion of the Moon is decreasing, moving from full moon to new moon.

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What is the first quarter moon?

Back

The first quarter moon is the phase where half of the Moon is illuminated and visible from Earth, occurring about a week after the new moon.

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What is the third quarter moon?

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The third quarter moon is the phase where the opposite half of the Moon is illuminated compared to the first quarter, occurring about a week after the full moon.

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What is a waxing crescent moon?

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A waxing crescent moon is the phase where a small sliver of the Moon is illuminated and increasing, occurring after the new moon.

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What is a waning crescent moon?

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A waning crescent moon is the phase where a small sliver of the Moon is illuminated and decreasing, occurring before the new moon.

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

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It takes about 29.5 days for the Moon to complete all its phases, known as a lunar month.