Moon Phases

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What are the phases of the moon?

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The phases of the moon are the different stages of illumination of the moon as seen from Earth, including New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Third Quarter, and Waning Crescent.

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

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Waxing means that the moon is increasing in illumination, moving from New Moon towards Full Moon.

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

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Waning means that the moon is decreasing in illumination, moving from Full Moon towards New Moon.

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What is a New Moon?

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A New Moon is the phase when the moon is between the Earth and the Sun, and its illuminated side is facing away from Earth, making it invisible to us.

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What is a Full Moon?

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

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What is the First Quarter moon phase?

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

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What is the Third Quarter moon phase?

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The Third Quarter moon phase occurs when the opposite half of the moon is illuminated compared to the First Quarter, also known as the Last Quarter.

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What is a Waxing Gibbous moon?

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A Waxing Gibbous moon is the phase after the First Quarter when more than half of the moon is illuminated but not yet full.

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What is a Waning Gibbous moon?

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A Waning Gibbous moon is the phase after a Full Moon when the illumination is decreasing but more than half of the moon is still visible.

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What is a Waning Crescent moon?

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A Waning Crescent moon is the phase just before the New Moon when a small sliver of the moon is illuminated.