Lunar Cycle

Front

What is the lunar cycle?

Back

The lunar cycle is the sequence of phases the Moon goes through as it orbits the Earth, taking about 29.5 days to complete.

Front

What are the main phases of the Moon?

Back

The main phases of the Moon are 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.

Front

What is a Full Moon?

Back

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

Front

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

Back

'Waxing' refers to the phases of the Moon when it is getting larger, from New Moon to Full Moon.

Front

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

Back

'Waning' refers to the phases of the Moon when it is getting smaller, from Full Moon to New Moon.

Front

What is a Waning Gibbous?

Back

A Waning Gibbous is the phase after a Full Moon when more than half of the Moon is illuminated but decreasing.

Front

What is a Last Quarter Moon?

Back

A Last Quarter Moon, also known as the Third Quarter, is when half of the Moon is illuminated and it is decreasing in size.

Front

What is a First Quarter Moon?

Back

A First Quarter Moon is when half of the Moon is illuminated and it is increasing in size.

Front

What side of the Moon do we see from Earth?

Back

We always see the same side of the Moon from Earth due to synchronous rotation.