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 shapes the Moon appears to take as it orbits the Earth, including New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent.

Front

What is a New Moon?

Back

A New Moon is the phase when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, and its illuminated side is facing away from the Earth, making it invisible to us.

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What is a Full Moon?

Back

A Full Moon occurs when the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon, and the entire illuminated side of the Moon is visible from Earth.

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

Back

'Waxing' refers to the phases of the Moon when it is becoming more illuminated, moving from New Moon to Full Moon.

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

Back

'Waning' refers to the phases of the Moon when it is becoming less illuminated, moving from Full Moon to New Moon.

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What is a First Quarter Moon?

Back

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

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What is a Last Quarter Moon?

Back

A Last Quarter Moon is the phase when the opposite half of the Moon's surface is illuminated compared to the First Quarter, occurring about three weeks after the New Moon.

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How long does it take for the Moon to complete one full cycle of phases?

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It takes about 29.5 days for the Moon to complete one full cycle of phases, known as a lunar month.

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What is the significance of the Moon's orbit around the Earth?

Back

The Moon's orbit around the Earth causes the different phases of the Moon and affects tides on Earth due to its gravitational pull.

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What is a Waxing Crescent Moon?

Back

A Waxing Crescent Moon is the phase that occurs after the New Moon, where a small sliver of the Moon becomes visible and is increasing in illumination.