Moon Phases Overview

Which phase of the moon occurs when it is fully illuminated?

During which phase of the moon is the illuminated portion larger than half and growing?

What distinguishes the Last Quarter phase of the moon from the First Quarter phase?

Which phase occurs when the moon is less than half illuminated and the illuminated portion is shrinking?

What does the New Moon phase signify about the moon's illumination?

Moon Phases

The Moon's phases are a result of changing angles of sunlight reflecting off the Moon as it orbits Earth.
Sunlight illuminates different portions of the Moon's surface, causing the visible shape to change.
Waxing means growing, or increasing in illuminated area.
Waning means shrinking, or decreasing in illuminated area.

Specific Phases

New Moon: The Moon is not visible from Earth because the side facing Earth is not illuminated by the Sun.
Waxing Crescent: A small portion of the Moon becomes visible after the New Moon.
First Quarter: Half of the Moon is visible, illuminated on the right side.
Waxing Gibbous: More than half of the Moon is visible.
Full Moon: The entire surface of the Moon facing Earth is illuminated.
Waning Gibbous: More than half of the Moon is visible, but the illuminated portion is shrinking.
Last Quarter: Half of the Moon is visible, illuminated on the left side.
Waning Crescent: A small portion of the Moon is visible before the New Moon.

Explore the various phases of the Moon as it orbits Earth, including the New Moon, Full Moon, and all intermediate stages. Understand the terminology such as waxing and waning, and how sunlight affects the Moon's visibility from Earth. This quiz will enhance your knowledge of lunar cycles and their characteristics.