Lunar Phases

Front

What is the Lunar Phase?

Back

The Lunar Phase refers to the appearance of the Moon as seen from Earth, which changes in a cycle due to the Moon's position relative to the Earth and the Sun.

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

What is a Full Moon?

Back

A Full Moon occurs when the entire face of the Moon is illuminated by the Sun, making it appear fully round.

Front

What is a New Moon?

Back

A New Moon occurs when the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, making it invisible from Earth.

Front

What does 'waxing' mean in lunar phases?

Back

'Waxing' refers to the period when the visible portion of the Moon is increasing, leading up to a Full Moon.

Front

What does 'waning' mean in lunar phases?

Back

'Waning' refers to the period when the visible portion of the Moon is decreasing, following a Full Moon.

Front

What is a Waning Gibbous Moon?

Back

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

Front

What is a Waxing Gibbous Moon?

Back

A Waxing Gibbous Moon is the phase before a Full Moon when more than half of the Moon is illuminated and increasing.

Front

How much of the Moon is always lit?

Back

Half of the Moon is always lit by the Sun, regardless of the phase.

Front

Why does the Moon shine?

Back

The Moon shines because it reflects the light of the Sun.