Moon Phases and Eclipses

Front

What is the waxing crescent moon phase?

Back

The waxing crescent is the phase of the moon that occurs after the new moon and before the first quarter, where a small sliver of the moon is illuminated.

Front

What is a full moon?

Back

A full moon is the phase of the moon when it is fully illuminated as seen from Earth, occurring approximately once a month.

Front

During which moon phase does a lunar eclipse occur?

Back

A lunar eclipse occurs during the full moon phase when the Earth is directly between the sun and the moon.

Front

What alignment is necessary for an eclipse to occur?

Back

For an eclipse to occur, the Moon, Sun, and Earth must be lined up exactly.

Front

When does a solar eclipse happen?

Back

A solar eclipse occurs during the new moon phase when the moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun.

Front

What is a waning gibbous moon phase?

Back

The waning gibbous is the phase of the moon that occurs after a full moon and before the last quarter, where more than half of the moon is illuminated but decreasing.

Front

What is a waxing gibbous moon phase?

Back

The waxing gibbous is the phase of the moon that occurs after the first quarter and before a full moon, where more than half of the moon is illuminated and increasing.

Front

What is a new moon?

Back

A new moon is the phase of the moon when it is not visible from Earth because the illuminated side is facing away from us.

Front

What is the last quarter moon phase?

Back

The last quarter moon phase occurs when half of the moon is illuminated and it is decreasing in illumination after the full moon.

Front

What is the first quarter moon phase?

Back

The first quarter moon phase occurs when half of the moon is illuminated and it is increasing in illumination after the new moon.