The phases of the moon are such a beautiful thing and are really cool to watch. I was totally confused when I first heard that the moon went through different phases, so let’s take a closer look!
I was totally confused when I first heard that the moon went through different phases! I remember doing an activity where each night my mom would take me outside to look at the moon, and I had to draw what it looked like! That experience really had an impact on me, because even now I love looking at the moon each night.
If you’re anything like me, you love looking at the stars and moon at night! Anything about space and our galaxy really fascinates me so much, I just think it is such a beautiful sight!
Table of Contents
New Moon
When a New Moon occurs, it is when the moons unilluminated side is facing Earth, therefore it is not visible to us on Earth! The only time that you can possibly see a moon in the New Moon phase is during a solar eclipse!
Waxing Crescent
A waxing crescent moon is when the moon is in a crescent shape, it is about 1/4 of the way shown. It is visible but it is still showing less than half of a full moon.
First Quarter
When the moon is in its first quarter phase, it appears to be half illuminated. Each phase has the percentage of the moon increasing daily.
Waxing Gibbous
The waxing gibbous occurs when the moon appears over halfway illuminated, it is about 3/4 of the way to a full moon.
Full Moon
A full moon occurs when the completely illuminated side of the moon is facing the Earth, making it appear to be a full moon to us.
Waning Gibous
A waning gibbous is when the moon begins to illuminate back the other way. It is 3/4 of the way full, but coming around the other way.
Last Quarter
The moon is back to halfway illuminated, only it is on the other side as when the first quarter occurs.
Waning Crescent
The moon is now back to being illuminated only about 1/4 of the way, on the other side as well. This is the last phase of the moon until another new moon occurs.
If you’ve never experienced the changes of the moon, take a look at the moon each night and you will be able to see the phases and transitions of the moon!
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