Phases of the Moon Phases of the Moon

Phases of the Moon

Phases of the Moon l The phases of the moon depend on the relative positions of the sun, moon and the Earth. The amount of the moon visible from Earth is determined by the amount of the moon that is reflecting the light of the sun to Earth.

1. New Moon l The side of the Moon facing the Earth is not illuminated. The Moon is not visible from Earth.

2. Waxing Crescent l The Moon is a crescent that is increasing in size.

3. First Quarter l One-half of the Moon is illuminated by direct sunlight. The Moon is on the way to becoming a ‘Full Moon’.

4. Waxing Gibbous l The Moon is more than a quarter moon but not yet a full moon.

5. Full Moon l The Moon's illuminated side is facing the Earth. The Moon appears to be completely illuminated by direct sunlight. As the moon is a sphere, we are really only seeing a ‘half moon’.

6. Waning Gibbous l The Moon is more than a quarter moon but less than the full moon. The amount of the moon illuminated is getting smaller.

7. Last Quarter l One-half of the Moon is illuminated by direct sunlight. The amount of the moon illuminated is getting smaller.

8. Waning Crescent l The Moon is a crescent. The amount of the moon illuminated is getting smaller.

1. New Moon l The side of the Moon facing the Earth is not illuminated. The Moon is not visible from Earth.