Phases of the Moon

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What are the phases of the Moon?

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The phases of the Moon are the different appearances of the Moon as seen from Earth, caused by the changing positions of the Moon, Earth, and Sun.

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What is a new moon?

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A new moon is the phase of the Moon when it 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 does 'waxing' mean in relation to the Moon?

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'Waxing' refers to the phases of the Moon when it is increasing in illumination, moving from new moon to full moon.

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

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'Waning' refers to the phases of the Moon when it is decreasing in illumination, moving from full moon to new moon.

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What is a waxing crescent moon?

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A waxing crescent moon is the phase after the new moon, where a small sliver of the Moon is illuminated and visible.

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What is a waning crescent moon?

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A waning crescent moon is the phase before the new moon, where a small sliver of the Moon is illuminated but decreasing in size.

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What is a first quarter moon?

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A first quarter moon is the phase where half of the Moon is illuminated and visible, occurring about a week after the new moon.

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What is a last quarter moon?

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A last quarter moon is the phase where the opposite half of the Moon is illuminated compared to the first quarter, occurring about a week before the new moon.

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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, where more than half of the Moon is illuminated and increasing.