Moon Phases

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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 it orbits Earth, including New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent.

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What is a New Moon?

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A New Moon is the phase when the moon 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 occurs when the moon is on the opposite side of Earth from the Sun, and its entire illuminated side is visible from Earth.

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What does Waxing mean in moon phases?

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Waxing refers to the period when the visible portion of the moon is increasing, moving from New Moon to Full Moon.

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What does Waning mean in moon phases?

Back

Waning refers to the period when the visible portion of the moon is decreasing, moving from Full Moon to New Moon.

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What is a Waxing Gibbous?

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A Waxing Gibbous is the phase of the moon when more than half of the moon is illuminated and is increasing in illumination.

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What is a Waning Gibbous?

Back

A Waning Gibbous is the phase of the moon when more than half of the moon is illuminated but is decreasing in illumination.

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What is a First Quarter Moon?

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A First Quarter Moon is the phase when half of the moon is illuminated and is the first stage 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 when half of the moon is illuminated but is decreasing in illumination, occurring after the Full Moon.

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What is a Waxing Crescent?

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A Waxing Crescent is the phase of the moon when a small sliver of the moon is illuminated and is increasing in illumination.