Phases of the Moon

Front

What are the phases of the Moon?

Back

The phases of the Moon are the different appearances of the Moon as seen from Earth, caused by the changing angles of sunlight illuminating the Moon as it orbits the Earth.

Front

What causes the different phases of the Moon?

Back

The different phases of the Moon are caused by the angle at which we see the lit Moon as it revolves around the Earth.

Front

What is a Waxing Moon?

Back

A Waxing Moon refers to the phases of the Moon when it appears to be increasing in size, meaning more of its surface is illuminated by the Sun.

Front

What is a Waning Moon?

Back

A Waning Moon refers to the phases of the Moon when it appears to be decreasing in size, meaning less of its surface is illuminated by the Sun.

Front

What is a New Moon?

Back

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

Front

What is a Full Moon?

Back

A Full Moon is the phase of the Moon when it is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun, fully illuminated and visible.

Front

What is a First Quarter Moon?

Back

A First Quarter Moon is the phase when half of the Moon is illuminated and visible from Earth, occurring about a week after the New Moon.

Front

What is a Third Quarter Moon?

Back

A Third Quarter Moon is the phase when the opposite half of the Moon is illuminated compared to the First Quarter, also known as the Last Quarter.

Front

How much of the Moon is always illuminated?

Back

Half of the Moon is always illuminated by the Sun; it's just not always facing Earth.

Front

What is a Crescent Moon?

Back

A Crescent Moon is a phase where less than half of the Moon is illuminated, appearing as a thin sliver.