Moon Phases

Front

What are the phases of the moon?

Back

The phases of the moon are the different shapes the moon appears to take as it orbits the Earth, including 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 is the phase when the moon is between the Earth and the Sun, and it is not visible from Earth.

Front

What is a Full Moon?

Back

A Full Moon is the phase when the entire face of the moon is illuminated by the Sun, making it fully visible from Earth.

Front

What does 'revolution' mean in relation to the moon?

Back

Revolution means to travel around an object, such as the moon revolving around the Earth.

Front

What is the First Quarter moon phase?

Back

The First Quarter moon phase occurs when half of the moon is illuminated and visible from Earth, typically about a week after the New Moon.

Front

What is the Last Quarter moon phase?

Back

The Last Quarter moon phase occurs when the moon is three-quarters of the way through its cycle, and half of it is illuminated, opposite of the First Quarter.

Front

What is a Crescent moon?

Back

A Crescent moon is a phase where less than half of the moon is illuminated, appearing as a thin sliver.

Front

What is a Gibbous moon?

Back

A Gibbous moon is a phase where more than half of the moon is illuminated but not yet full.

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 difference between a Waxing and Waning moon?

Back

A Waxing moon is when the illuminated part of the moon is increasing, while a Waning moon is when the illuminated part is decreasing.