Moon Phases, Tides, Eclipses & Seasons

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What is a Full Moon?

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A Full Moon is the lunar phase when the Moon is fully illuminated as seen from Earth, occurring when the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon.

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What is a New Moon?

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A New Moon is the lunar phase when the Moon is not visible from Earth because it is positioned between the Earth and the Sun.

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What is a First Quarter Moon?

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A First Quarter Moon is the lunar phase where half of the Moon is illuminated, occurring about a week after the New Moon.

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What is a Last Quarter Moon?

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A Last Quarter Moon is the lunar phase where the opposite half of the Moon is illuminated compared to the First Quarter, occurring about three weeks after the New Moon.

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What is a solstice?

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A solstice is an astronomical event that occurs twice a year, marking the longest or shortest day of the year for a hemisphere.

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What is a solar eclipse?

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A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking all or part of the Sun's light.

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What is a lunar eclipse?

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A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Earth's shadow to cover the Moon.

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

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Waning refers to the phase of the Moon when it is decreasing in illumination, moving from Full Moon to New Moon.

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What is a high tide?

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A high tide is when the sea level rises due to the gravitational pull of the Moon, occurring when the Earth is closest to the Moon.

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What is a low tide?

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A low tide is when the sea level falls, occurring when the Earth is farthest from the Moon.