Moon Phases

Moon Phases

The various stages the moon goes through during its 29.5-day lunar cycle, including new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, last quarter, and waning crescent.

Rotation

The process by which the Moon turns on its axis, completing one full turn approximately every 27.3 days, contributing to the same side always facing Earth.

Revolution

The orbit of the Moon around the Earth, taking about 27.3 days to complete one full cycle, influencing the lunar phases and tides.

Lunar Calendar

A calendar that is based on the cycles of the moon phases, typically consisting of 12 or 13 months in a year, with each month beginning at a new moon.

Moon’s Orbit - 5 degree tilt

The tilt of the Moon's orbital plane relative to Earth's orbit, which is approximately 5 degrees, causing variations in lunar visibility from Earth.

Solar Eclipse

An astronomical event that occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking all or part of the Sun's light.

Lunar Eclipse

An astronomical event that occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Earth's shadow to cover the Moon.

Earth’s Atmosphere

The layer of gases surrounding the Earth, vital for sustaining life, protecting from solar radiation, and influencing weather patterns.

Umbra

The darkest part of a shadow during an eclipse, where all direct sunlight is blocked.

Penumbra

The lighter, outer part of a shadow during an eclipse, where some direct sunlight is still visible.

Waxing

The phase of the moon when it appears to be increasing in illumination, leading up to a full moon.

Waning

The phase of the moon when it appears to decrease in illumination after a full moon, leading up to the new moon.

Gibbous

The phase of the moon when it is more than half illuminated but not yet full, occurring before the full moon.

Crescent

The phase of the moon when it is less than half illuminated, occurring before the first quarter and after the last quarter.

New Moon

The phase of the moon when it is not visible from Earth, occurring between the waning and waxing phases.

Full Moon

The phase of the moon when it is completely illuminated from Earth's perspective, occurring halfway between the new moon and the next new moon.

First Quarter Moon

The phase of the moon that occurs when it is half illuminated, appearing as a semi-circle, and occurs after the new moon.

Third Quarter Moon

The phase of the moon that occurs when it is half illuminated, appearing as a semi-circle, and occurs after the full moon.

Ray

The phase of the moon when it is again half illuminated, occurring after the full moon and before the new moon.

Crater

A bowl-shaped depression on the moon's surface caused by the impact of meteoroids.

Maria

Large, dark basaltic plains on the Moon's surface formed by ancient volcanic eruptions.

Meteoroid

A small rocky or metallic body in outer space that can become a meteor when it enters the Earth's atmosphere.