Moon phases

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What is the first quarter moon phase?

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The first quarter moon phase is when half of the moon is illuminated and visible from Earth, appearing as a half-circle.

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What is the full moon phase?

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The full moon phase occurs when the entire face of the moon is illuminated by the sun, making it appear as a complete circle.

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What is the last quarter moon phase?

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The last quarter moon phase is when the opposite half of the moon is illuminated compared to the first quarter, also appearing as a half-circle.

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What does 'waxing' mean in relation to moon phases?

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Waxing refers to the period when the moon appears to be getting larger, moving from new moon to full moon.

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What does 'waning' mean in relation to moon phases?

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Waning refers to the period when the moon appears to be getting smaller, moving from full moon to new moon.

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What are the phases of the moon?

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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.

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

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It takes about 29.5 days for the moon to complete its cycle of phases.

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What is a new moon?

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A new moon is the phase when the moon is between the Earth and the sun, and its illuminated side is facing away from Earth, making it invisible.

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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 but not yet full.

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What is a waning gibbous moon?

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A waning gibbous moon is the phase after the full moon when more than half of the moon is still illuminated but is decreasing in size.