Moon Phases

Front

What is the Waxing Crescent Moon?

Back

The Waxing Crescent Moon is the phase of the moon that occurs after the New Moon and before the First Quarter. It appears as a thin crescent shape, with the illuminated part growing larger each night.

Front

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

Back

Waxing means that the moon is increasing in illumination, moving from a New Moon towards a Full Moon.

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, occurring approximately two weeks after the New Moon.

Front

What is the First Quarter Moon?

Back

The First Quarter Moon is the phase where half of the moon is illuminated and appears as a half-circle. It occurs about a week after the New Moon.

Front

What is the Third Quarter Moon?

Back

The Third Quarter Moon is the phase where the opposite half of the moon is illuminated compared to the First Quarter, also appearing as a half-circle, occurring about three weeks after the New Moon.

Front

What is a Waning Gibbous Moon?

Back

A Waning Gibbous Moon is the phase after a Full Moon when the illuminated portion is decreasing but still more than half.

Front

What is a Waning Crescent Moon?

Back

A Waning Crescent Moon is the phase just before the New Moon, where only a small crescent of the moon is illuminated and decreasing.

Front

What is the difference between Waxing and Waning?

Back

Waxing refers to the moon phases where the illuminated part is increasing, while Waning refers to the phases where the illuminated part is decreasing.

Front

What comes after a Full Moon?

Back

After a Full Moon, the moon enters the Waning Gibbous phase.

Front

What comes before a New Moon?

Back

Before a New Moon, the moon is in the Waning Crescent phase.