Predicting Moon Phases 2024

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What are the phases of the Moon?

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The phases of the Moon are the different shapes of the Moon as seen from Earth, which change in a cycle of about 29.5 days. The main phases are 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 occurs when the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, making it invisible from Earth.

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What is a Full Moon?

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A Full Moon occurs when the Earth is between the Moon and the Sun, allowing the entire face of the Moon to be illuminated.

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What does 'Waxing' mean in terms of 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 terms of Moon phases?

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'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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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.

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

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The Moon's orbit around Earth causes the different phases of the Moon, as the angle of sunlight changes the way we see the Moon from Earth.

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What is a Waxing Gibbous Moon?

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A Waxing Gibbous Moon is the phase where more than half of the Moon is illuminated and is increasing towards a Full Moon.

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What is a Waning Gibbous Moon?

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A Waning Gibbous Moon is the phase where more than half of the Moon is illuminated but is decreasing towards a Last Quarter.

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What is a First Quarter Moon?

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A First Quarter Moon occurs when half of the Moon is illuminated and is transitioning from New Moon to Full Moon.