Phases of the Moon

Front

What are the eight phases of the moon?

Back

New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, Waning Crescent.

Front

What is a New Moon?

Back

The phase of the moon when it is not visible from Earth because it is between the Earth and the Sun.

Front

What is a Full Moon?

Back

The phase of the moon when it is fully illuminated and visible from Earth.

Front

What does 'Waxing' mean in relation to the moon?

Back

Waxing refers to the phases of the moon when it is increasing in illumination.

Front

What does 'Waning' mean in relation to the moon?

Back

Waning refers to the phases of the moon when it is decreasing in illumination.

Front

What is a Waxing Crescent Moon?

Back

The phase of the moon that occurs after the New Moon, where a small sliver of the moon is illuminated.

Front

What is a Waning Crescent Moon?

Back

The phase of the moon that occurs before the New Moon, where a small sliver of the moon is still visible but decreasing.

Front

What is a First Quarter Moon?

Back

The phase of the moon where half of the moon is illuminated and visible from Earth.

Front

What is a Last Quarter Moon?

Back

The phase of the moon where the opposite half of the moon is illuminated compared to the First Quarter.

Front

How does the moon's position affect its phases?

Back

The moon's phases are determined by its position relative to the Earth and the Sun.