Predicting Moon Phases

Front

What is the lunar cycle?

Back

The lunar cycle is the sequence of phases the Moon goes through as it orbits the Earth, taking about 29.5 days to complete.

Front

What are the main phases of the Moon?

Back

The main phases of the Moon are New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent.

Front

How long does it take for the Moon to go from one New Moon to the next?

Back

It takes about one month (29.5 days) for the Moon to go from one New Moon to the next.

Front

What is a Full Moon?

Back

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

Front

What is a Waxing Crescent Moon?

Back

A Waxing Crescent Moon is the phase that occurs after a New Moon, where a small sliver of the Moon becomes visible and increases in size.

Front

What is a Waning Gibbous Moon?

Back

A Waning Gibbous Moon is the phase that occurs after a Full Moon, where the visible portion of the Moon decreases.

Front

What is the significance of the First Quarter Moon?

Back

The First Quarter Moon is when half of the Moon is illuminated and is a key point in the lunar cycle.

Front

How can you predict the Moon phase on a specific date?

Back

You can predict the Moon phase by knowing the date of the last New Moon or Full Moon and counting the days to the desired date.

Front

What is the difference between a Waxing and Waning Moon?

Back

A Waxing Moon is increasing in illumination, while a Waning Moon is decreasing in illumination.

Front

What phase comes after a Full Moon?

Back

The phase that comes after a Full Moon is the Waning Gibbous.