Four Main Moon Phases

Front

What are the four main moon phases?

Back

New Moon, First Quarter, Full Moon, Third Quarter

Front

What is a Full Moon?

Back

A Full Moon occurs when the entire face of the Moon is illuminated by the Sun.

Front

What is a New Moon?

Back

A New Moon occurs when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, and the side of the Moon facing Earth is not illuminated.

Front

What happens during the First Quarter phase?

Back

During the First Quarter phase, half of the Moon is illuminated and visible from Earth.

Front

What happens during the Third Quarter phase?

Back

During the Third Quarter phase, the opposite half of the Moon is illuminated compared to the First Quarter.

Front

What illuminates the Moon?

Back

The Moon is illuminated by sunlight.

Front

How long does it take for the Moon to go through all its phases?

Back

It takes about 29.5 days for the Moon to complete all its phases.

Front

What is the shape of the Moon during a Full Moon?

Back

The Moon appears as a complete circle during a Full Moon.

Front

What is the shape of the Moon during a New Moon?

Back

The Moon is not visible during a New Moon because it is in line with the Sun.

Front

What is waxing in relation to the Moon phases?

Back

Waxing refers to the period when the Moon is increasing in illumination, from New Moon to Full Moon.