Phases of the Moon
⭐ MasteredThe Moon doesn't make its own light; it reflects sunlight. As it orbits Earth we see different amounts of its lit side, from new moon to full moon.
A full cycle of phases takes about 29.5 days.
All about Phases of the Moon
The phases of the Moon are the different shapes we see as the Moon orbits Earth. The cycle from one new moon to the next takes about 29. 5 days.
The main phases are new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, last quarter and waning crescent. In a new moon, the lit side faces away from us, so the Moon is almost invisible in the sky.
Then it goes back through the phases again.
🎮 Try it yourself!
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👀 What the animation shows
This animation shows the Moon moving around Earth while the lit side changes shape. Watch how the amount of sunlight we see from Earth changes from new moon to full moon and back again.
Real-life uses of Phases of the Moon
- Predicting when the next full moon will happen
- Understanding why the Moon looks different each night
- Planning night-time observations
Frequently asked questions about Phases of the Moon
Why do the phases happen?
The Moon orbits Earth, so the angle between the Sun, Earth and Moon changes. We see different amounts of the lit side.
Is a new moon the same as an eclipse?
No. A new moon happens when the Moon is between Earth and the Sun. A solar eclipse only happens when the alignment is exact.
What is a blue moon?
A second full moon in one calendar month. It happens roughly every two to three years.