Moon Phases

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What are the phases of the Moon?

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The phases of the Moon are the different shapes of the Moon as seen from Earth, which change in a cycle lasting about 29.5 days.

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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 Full Moon?

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A Full Moon is the phase when the entire face of the Moon is illuminated by the Sun, occurring when the Earth is between the Moon and the Sun.

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What does 'waxing' mean in relation to the Moon?

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'Waxing' refers to the phase of the Moon when it appears to grow larger, moving from New Moon to Full Moon.

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What does 'waning' mean in relation to the Moon?

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'Waning' refers to the phase of the Moon when it appears to grow smaller, moving from Full Moon to New Moon.

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What is a Waxing Crescent Moon?

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A Waxing Crescent Moon is the phase after the New Moon, where a small sliver of the Moon is illuminated and visible.

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What is a Waning Crescent Moon?

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A Waning Crescent Moon is the phase before the New Moon, where a small sliver of the Moon is illuminated but decreasing in size.

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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, where more than half of the Moon is illuminated and growing.

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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, where more than half of the Moon is illuminated but decreasing.

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What is the First Quarter Moon?

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The First Quarter Moon is the phase where half of the Moon is illuminated and visible, occurring about a week after the New Moon.