moon phases

Front

What are the phases of the moon?

Back

The phases of the moon are the different appearances of the moon as seen from Earth, which include New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent.

Front

What is a New Moon?

Back

A New Moon is the phase when the moon is between the Earth and the Sun, and the side of the moon facing Earth is not illuminated.

Front

What is a Full Moon?

Back

A Full Moon is the phase when the entire face of the moon is illuminated by the Sun, making it fully visible from Earth.

Front

What does 'Waxing' mean in relation to the moon?

Back

'Waxing' refers to the period when the moon's illuminated portion is increasing, leading up to a Full Moon.

Front

What does 'Waning' mean in relation to the moon?

Back

'Waning' refers to the period when the moon's illuminated portion is decreasing, following a Full Moon.

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.

Front

What causes the moon's phases?

Back

The moon's phases are caused by the relative positions of the Earth, moon, and Sun, affecting how much of the moon's surface is illuminated.

Front

What is a Waxing Gibbous moon?

Back

A Waxing Gibbous moon is the phase when more than half of the moon is illuminated and is increasing towards a Full Moon.

Front

What is a Waning Crescent moon?

Back

A Waning Crescent moon is the phase when less than half of the moon is illuminated and is decreasing towards a New Moon.

Front

What is the difference between a First Quarter and a Last Quarter moon?

Back

A First Quarter moon is when half of the moon is illuminated and is waxing, while a Last Quarter moon is when half of the moon is illuminated and is waning.