Moon Phases

Front

What is a moon phase?

Back

A moon phase is the shape of the illuminated portion of the Moon as seen from Earth, which changes over a cycle of about 29.5 days.

Front

What are the main moon phases?

Back

The main moon phases are 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 occurs when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, and its illuminated side is facing away from Earth, making it invisible.

Front

What is a Full Moon?

Back

A Full Moon occurs when the Earth is between the Moon and the Sun, and the entire illuminated side of the Moon is visible from Earth.

Front

What does Waxing mean in moon phases?

Back

Waxing refers to the period when the visible portion of the Moon is increasing, from New Moon to Full Moon.

Front

What does Waning mean in moon phases?

Back

Waning refers to the period when the visible portion of the Moon is decreasing, from Full Moon to New Moon.

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 is illuminated and growing.

Front

What is a Waning Crescent?

Back

A Waning Crescent is the phase of the Moon that occurs just before the New Moon, where a small sliver of the Moon is illuminated and shrinking.

Front

What is a First Quarter Moon?

Back

A First Quarter Moon occurs when half of the Moon is illuminated and visible from Earth, occurring about a week after the New Moon.

Front

What is a Last Quarter Moon?

Back

A Last Quarter Moon occurs when half of the Moon is illuminated and visible from Earth, occurring about a week after the Full Moon.