Moon Phases

Front

What is a moon phase?

Back

A moon phase is the shape of the illuminated portion of the Moon as seen from Earth, which changes in a cycle.

Front

How many main moon phases are there?

Back

There are eight main moon phases: 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 Earth.

Front

What is a Full Moon?

Back

A Full Moon is the phase when the entire face of the Moon is illuminated by the Sun, making it fully visible from Earth.

Front

What does 'waning' mean in moon phases?

Back

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

Front

What does 'waxing' mean in moon phases?

Back

'Waxing' refers to the period when the visible portion of the Moon is increasing after a New Moon.

Front

What is the First Quarter Moon?

Back

The 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 the Last Quarter Moon?

Back

The Last Quarter Moon is the phase when the opposite half of the Moon is illuminated compared to the First Quarter, occurring about a week after the Full Moon.

Front

Can we see the Moon during the day?

Back

Yes, we can see the Moon during the day, especially during certain phases like the First Quarter and Full Moon.

Front

What is a waxing gibbous?

Back

A waxing gibbous is the phase when more than half of the Moon is illuminated and is increasing in visibility, occurring after the First Quarter.