Moon Phases

Front

What is a Full Moon?

Back

A Full Moon is the phase of the Moon when it is fully illuminated by the Sun, appearing as a complete circle in the sky.

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.

Front

What is a Waxing Gibbous Moon?

Back

A Waxing Gibbous Moon is the phase after the First Quarter, where more than half of the Moon is illuminated and is increasing in light.

Front

What is a Waning Gibbous Moon?

Back

A Waning Gibbous Moon is the phase after a Full Moon, where the light is decreasing and more than half of the Moon is still illuminated.

Front

What is a Waxing Crescent Moon?

Back

A Waxing Crescent Moon is the phase after a New Moon, where a small sliver of the Moon is illuminated and increasing.

Front

What is a Waning Crescent Moon?

Back

A Waning Crescent Moon is the phase before a New Moon, where a small sliver of the Moon is illuminated and decreasing.

Front

How long does it take for the Moon to orbit the Earth?

Back

About 1 month.

Front

What causes the different phases of the Moon?

Back

The different phases of the Moon are caused by the changing angles of sunlight hitting the Moon as it orbits the Earth.

Front

What is the First Quarter Moon?

Back

The First Quarter Moon is the phase where half of the Moon is illuminated and is the first phase after the New Moon.

Front

What is the Last Quarter Moon?

Back

The Last Quarter Moon is the phase where half of the Moon is illuminated, but the light is decreasing, occurring after the Full Moon.