Moon Phases – Northern Hemisphere

Moon phases are the different stages that the Moon goes through as it orbits around the Earth. These phases are a result of the changing positions of the Moon, Earth, and the Sun.

1. New Moon: During this phase, the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, with the side of the Moon facing Earth being completely dark. The New Moon is not visible from Earth.

2. Waxing Crescent: As the Moon moves in its orbit, a small sliver of the illuminated side becomes visible from Earth. This is known as the Waxing Crescent phase. The crescent shape gradually grows larger each day.

3. First Quarter: When half of the Moon's illuminated side is visible from Earth, it is called the First Quarter phase. The Moon appears as a half-circle in the sky.

4. Waxing Gibbous: During this phase, more than half of the Moon's illuminated side is visible, but it is not yet a full Moon. The illuminated portion continues to grow larger each day.

5. Full Moon: The Full Moon occurs when the entire illuminated side of the Moon is visible from Earth. It appears as a bright, round disk in the sky.

6. Waning Gibbous: After the Full Moon, the illuminated portion gradually decreases each day. This phase is known as the Waning Gibbous.

7. Third Quarter: When half of the Moon's illuminated side is visible from Earth again, but this time on the opposite side from the First Quarter, it is called the Third Quarter phase. The Moon appears as a half-circle, but on the opposite side from the First Quarter.

8. Waning Crescent: As the Moon continues its orbit, only a small sliver of the illuminated side is visible from Earth. This is known as the Waning Crescent phase. The crescent shape gradually decreases in size each day.

These phases repeat in a cycle that takes approximately 29.5 days to complete, known as a lunar month. The Moon phases have significant cultural and religious meanings in various societies and are also important for activities such as astronomy, gardening, and fishing.