Moon Phases

Front

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 Earth, including New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent.

Front

What is a lunar month?

Back

A lunar month is the time it takes for the Moon to complete one full cycle of phases, which is about 29.5 days.

Front

What happens during a Full Moon?

Back

During a Full Moon, the entire face of the Moon is illuminated by the Sun, making it appear fully round and bright.

Front

What does it mean for the Moon to 'wane'?

Back

To 'wane' means that the visible portion of the Moon is decreasing after a Full Moon, leading to the Last Quarter and New Moon phases.

Front

What does it mean for the Moon to 'wax'?

Back

To 'wax' means that the visible portion of the Moon is increasing after a New Moon, leading to the First Quarter and Full Moon phases.

Front

How does the Moon affect tides on Earth?

Back

The Moon's gravitational pull causes the water in Earth's oceans to bulge, creating high and low tides.

Front

What is the New Moon phase?

Back

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

Front

What is the Full Moon phase?

Back

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

Front

What is a waxing crescent?

Back

A waxing crescent is the phase of the Moon that occurs after the New Moon, where a small sliver of the Moon becomes visible.

Front

What is a waning gibbous?

Back

A waning gibbous is the phase of the Moon that occurs after a Full Moon, where more than half of the Moon is still illuminated but decreasing.