Phases of the Moon

Moon takes about 29 and a half days to complete one orbit around the Earth. This duration is called Lunar month. During this month, sometimes the Moon looks in complete round shape and sometimes it looks like silver wedge. It also appears as a half circle or we might not be able to find the moon at all.

This is because, the moon changes its position with respect to the Earth and the Sun. This movement changes the reflection of light that reaches on the Earth from the face of the Moon. Thus, we can see different phases of Moon.

Eight phases of Moon

There are eight phases of Moon. These phases are named according to

the size of Moon we can see.

Phase 1:

This phase is also called the new Moon. That is why the Moon looks very dark.

Phase 2:

This phase is also known as Waxing Crescent. In this phase bright crescent is on the right of the Moon. The other side we see is dark.

Phase 3:

This phase is also known as First Quarter. At this stage, half Moon looks bright and half dark.

Phase 4:

At this phase, the Moon is called Full Moon. In this phase the Sun shines the whole side of the Moon facing the Earth.

Phase 5:

Now right edge of the Moon starts to darken. This phase is also known as Warning Gibbous. It is the opposite of Waxing Gibbous phase.

Phase 6:

In this phase, Moon looks half. This phase is also called Third Quarter Moon.

Phase 7:

This phase is also known as Waning Crescent. In this phase left part of the Moon is bright crescent and visible. It looks like the opposite of Waxing Crescent.