Moon Phases

Front

What are the phases of the Moon?

Back

The phases of the Moon include 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 positioned between the Earth and the Sun, making it invisible from Earth.

Front

What is a Full Moon?

Back

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

Front

What does the term 'Waxing' mean in relation to 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 the term 'Waning' mean in relation to 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 the First Quarter Moon?

Back

The First Quarter Moon occurs when half of the Moon's surface is illuminated, and it is one quarter of the way through its cycle.

Front

What is the Last Quarter Moon?

Back

The Last Quarter Moon occurs when half of the Moon's surface is illuminated, but the opposite side compared to the First Quarter.

Front

What is a Waning Gibbous Moon?

Back

A Waning Gibbous Moon is the phase after a Full Moon, where more than half of the Moon is still illuminated but decreasing.

Front

What is a Waxing Gibbous Moon?

Back

A Waxing Gibbous Moon is the phase before a Full Moon, where more than half of the Moon is illuminated and increasing.

Front

How can you identify a First Quarter Moon?

Back

A First Quarter Moon is identified by the right half of the Moon being illuminated.