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What are the phases of the Moon?

Back

The phases of the Moon are the different stages of illumination of the Moon as seen from Earth, including New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent.

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What causes the Moon phases?

Back

The Moon phases are caused by the relative positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun, which affect how much of the Moon's surface is illuminated by the Sun as viewed from Earth.

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What is a New Moon?

Back

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

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What is a Full Moon?

Back

A Full Moon occurs when the Earth is between the Moon and the Sun, allowing the entire face of the Moon to be illuminated.

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What is a Waxing Crescent?

Back

A Waxing Crescent is the phase after a New Moon, where a small sliver of the Moon begins to be illuminated, appearing as a crescent shape.

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What is a Waning Gibbous?

Back

A Waning Gibbous is the phase after a Full Moon, where more than half of the Moon is illuminated but decreasing in illumination.

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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 Last Quarter Moon?

Back

The Last Quarter Moon is the phase where half of the Moon is illuminated but decreasing, occurring about a week after the Full Moon.

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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.

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What is the difference between a Waxing and Waning Moon?

Back

A Waxing Moon is when the illuminated portion is increasing, while a Waning Moon is when the illuminated portion is decreasing.