Identify the Moon Phase

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What is a waning gibbous moon?

Back

A waning gibbous moon is a phase of the moon that occurs after a full moon and before the last quarter. It appears more than half illuminated but less than fully illuminated.

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What is a waxing gibbous moon?

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A waxing gibbous moon is a phase of the moon that occurs after the first quarter and before a full moon. It appears more than half illuminated and is increasing in illumination.

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What is a waxing crescent moon?

Back

A waxing crescent moon is a phase of the moon that occurs after a new moon and before the first quarter. It appears as a small sliver of light on the right side.

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What is a waning crescent moon?

Back

A waning crescent moon is a phase of the moon that occurs after the last quarter and before a new moon. It appears as a small sliver of light on the left side.

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What is a new moon?

Back

A new moon is a phase of the moon when it is not visible from Earth because the illuminated side is facing away from us.

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What is a full moon?

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A full moon is a phase of the moon when it is fully illuminated as seen from Earth, occurring when the Earth is between the sun and the moon.

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What is the first quarter moon?

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The first quarter moon is a phase of the moon when half of the moon is illuminated and visible from Earth, occurring about a week after the new moon.

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What is the last quarter moon?

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The last quarter moon is a phase of the moon when half of the moon is illuminated and visible from Earth, occurring about a week after the full moon.

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

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It takes about 29.5 days for the moon to complete one full cycle of phases, known as a lunar month.

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What causes the different phases of the moon?

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The different phases of the moon are caused by the changing positions of the moon, Earth, and sun, which affect how much of the moon's surface is illuminated.