Moon Phases

Front

What is a lunar month?

Back

A lunar month is the time it takes for the Moon to complete one full cycle of phases, which is approximately 29.5 days.

Front

What are the phases of the Moon?

Back

The phases of the Moon are the different appearances of the Moon as seen from Earth, caused by the changing positions of the Moon, Earth, and Sun.

Front

What is the waxing crescent phase?

Back

The waxing crescent phase is the phase of the Moon when it is less than half illuminated and is increasing in illumination.

Front

What is the full moon phase?

Back

The full moon phase occurs when the entire face of the Moon is illuminated by the Sun, making it appear round and bright.

Front

What is the waning crescent phase?

Back

The waning crescent phase is the phase of the Moon when it is less than half illuminated and is decreasing in illumination.

Front

What is the last quarter moon phase?

Back

The last quarter moon phase occurs when half of the Moon is illuminated and is decreasing in illumination, appearing as a half-circle.

Front

What is the first quarter moon phase?

Back

The first quarter moon phase occurs when half of the Moon is illuminated and is increasing in illumination, appearing as a half-circle.

Front

How long does it take for the Moon to orbit the Earth?

Back

It takes about 27.3 days for the Moon to complete one orbit around the Earth.

Front

What causes the Moon's phases?

Back

The Moon's phases are caused by the relative positions of the Moon, Earth, and Sun, which affect how much of the Moon's surface is illuminated.

Front

What is a gibbous moon?

Back

A gibbous moon is a phase of the Moon when more than half of its surface is illuminated but it is not yet full.