Moon Phases

Front

What are the phases of the moon?

Back

The phases of the moon are the different appearances of the moon as seen from Earth, which change in a cycle due to the moon's position relative to the Earth and the Sun.

Front

What is the term for when the moon's lighted part is increasing?

Back

Waxing

Front

What is the term for when the moon's lighted part is decreasing?

Back

Waning

Front

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

Back

Approximately 29.5 days.

Front

What causes the moon's phases?

Back

The moon's phases are caused by the amount of sunlight reflected onto the moon from the sun, as the moon orbits the Earth.

Front

If the last full moon was on April 4th, when is the next full moon?

Back

The next full moon would be on May 4th.

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 side that is illuminated by the sun is facing away from Earth.

Front

What is a full moon?

Back

A full moon is a phase of the moon when it is fully illuminated by the sun and appears as a complete circle from Earth.

Front

What is the difference between waxing and waning?

Back

Waxing refers to the moon's lighted part increasing, while waning refers to the moon's lighted part decreasing.

Front

What is the significance of the first quarter moon?

Back

The first quarter moon is the phase where half of the moon is illuminated and is a key point in the lunar cycle.