Understanding Moon Phases

Understanding Moon Phases

As Earth orbits around the Sun, the Moon appears to change its shape month after month due to its ever-changing position relative to the Sun and Earth. These alterations are known as the Moon's phases, and they result from the interconnected dance of the Sun, Moon, and Earth.

The Moon doesn't produce its own light; it reflects the Sun's rays. The side of the Moon facing the Sun is illuminated, while the side facing away is dark. Our view of the lit side changes as the Moon orbits Earth, creating the Moon's phases.

New Moon

A New Moon occurs when the Sun, Moon, and Earth align, with the Moon positioned between the Earth and the Sun. The side of the Moon facing Earth is dark, rendering it invisible to us.

Waxing Crescent

After a New Moon, the Moon becomes visible as a thin crescent, marked by a small sliver of illuminated surface. This phase is called the Waxing Crescent.

First Quarter

A First Quarter Moon appears as a half-moon, with half of the Moon's near side illuminated.

Waxing Gibbous

The Waxing Gibbous phase occurs when the Moon is more than half illuminated and is still increasing in illumination. The term "gibbous" refers to a convex bulge, like the back of a camel.

Full Moon

A Full Moon occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align with the Moon opposite the Sun—that is, when Earth is between the Sun and the Moon. The entire face of the Moon is illuminated, and it appears full for a couple of days before moving into its waning phase.

Waning Gibbous

When the Moon is past Full but not yet Third Quarter, it's in the Waning Gibbous phase. The Moon is most of the way illuminated, with a small portion gradually darkening.

Last Quarter

The Last Quarter Moon, also known as a Third Quarter Moon, appears as a half-moon, with half of the Moon's near side illuminated, opposite the First Quarter Moon's appearance.

Waning Crescent

The Waning Crescent is the thin crescent of illuminated surface opposite to the Waxing Crescent.

Each of these phases follows the other as the Moon moves through its cycle, taking about 27.3 days to complete one full orbit. However, due to the Moon's orbit around Earth, it takes about 29.5 days to go from one New Moon to the next New Moon.

Learn about the different phases of the Moon as it orbits Earth, resulting in varying levels of illumination visible from our perspective. From New Moon to Full Moon and beyond, explore how the Moon's position relative to the Sun and Earth causes these fascinating changes.