Moon Phases

Front

What is a waxing gibbous moon?

Back

A waxing gibbous moon is the phase of the moon where more than half of the moon is illuminated, but it is not yet full. It occurs after the first quarter and before the full moon.

Front

What is a waning crescent moon?

Back

A waning crescent moon is the phase of the moon where less than half of the moon is illuminated, and it is decreasing in illumination. It occurs after the last quarter and before the new moon.

Front

What is a full moon?

Back

A full moon is the phase of the moon when it is completely illuminated as seen from Earth. This occurs when the Earth is between the sun and the moon.

Front

What is a new moon?

Back

A new moon is the phase of the moon when it is not visible from Earth because the illuminated side is facing away from us. It marks the beginning of the lunar cycle.

Front

What is a waning gibbous moon?

Back

A waning gibbous moon is the phase of the moon where more than half of the moon is illuminated, but it is decreasing in illumination. It occurs after the full moon and before the last quarter.

Front

What is a waxing crescent moon?

Back

A waxing crescent moon is the phase of the moon where a small sliver of the moon is illuminated and is increasing in illumination. It occurs after the new moon and before the first quarter.

Front

What is the first quarter moon?

Back

The first quarter moon is the phase of the moon where half of the moon is illuminated and is increasing in illumination. It occurs after the waxing crescent and before the waxing gibbous.

Front

What is the third quarter moon?

Back

The third quarter moon is the phase of the moon where half of the moon is illuminated and is decreasing in illumination. It occurs after the waning gibbous and before the waning crescent.

Front

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

Back

It takes approximately 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 relative positions of the Earth, moon, and sun, which affect how much of the moon's surface is illuminated.