Front

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.

Front

What is a waxing gibbous moon?

Back

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.

Front

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.

Front

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.

Front

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.

Front

What is a full moon?

Back

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.

Front

What is the first quarter moon?

Back

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.

Front

What is the last quarter moon?

Back

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.

Front

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

Back

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

Front

What causes the different phases of the moon?

Back

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.