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 in a regular cycle.

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 waxing crescent moon?

Back

A waxing crescent moon is the phase where the Moon is less than half illuminated and is increasing in brightness.

Front

What is a waxing gibbous moon?

Back

A waxing gibbous moon is the phase where the Moon is more than half illuminated and is still increasing in brightness.

Front

What is a waning gibbous moon?

Back

A waning gibbous moon is the phase where the Moon is more than half illuminated but is decreasing in brightness.

Front

What is a waning crescent moon?

Back

A waning crescent moon is the phase where the Moon is less than half illuminated and is decreasing in brightness.

Front

What is the full moon phase?

Back

The full moon phase is when the entire face of the Moon is illuminated and appears as a complete circle.

Front

What is the new moon phase?

Back

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

Front

How long does it take for the Moon to complete one cycle of phases?

Back

It takes about 29.5 days for the Moon to complete one full cycle of phases.

Front

What is the first quarter moon?

Back

The first quarter moon is the phase where half of the Moon is illuminated and is increasing in brightness.