Moon

Front

What is the moon?

Back

The moon is a natural satellite that orbits the Earth, reflecting sunlight and appearing in different phases.

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What are the phases of the moon?

Back

The phases of the moon are the different shapes the moon appears to take as it orbits the Earth, including new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, last quarter, and waning crescent.

Front

How long does it take for the moon to complete a full lunar cycle?

Back

It takes about 29.5 days for the moon to complete a full lunar cycle.

Front

What is a new moon?

Back

A new moon is the phase when the moon is between the Earth and the sun, and it is not visible from Earth.

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What is a full moon?

Back

A full moon is the phase when the entire face of the moon is illuminated by the sun and is fully visible from Earth.

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What is a waxing crescent moon?

Back

A waxing crescent moon is the phase after the new moon when a small sliver of the moon becomes visible, increasing in size.

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What is a waning gibbous moon?

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A waning gibbous moon is the phase after a full moon when the visible portion of the moon is decreasing.

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What is the first quarter moon?

Back

The first quarter moon is the phase when half of the moon is illuminated and visible from Earth.

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What is the last quarter moon?

Back

The last quarter moon is the phase when the opposite half of the moon is illuminated compared to the first quarter.

Front

What is a waxing gibbous moon?

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A waxing gibbous moon is the phase after the first quarter when more than half of the moon is illuminated and increasing.