Monday, May 21, 2012

 

Moon Phases

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Here is what the Moon Phases look like and a brief description.


Waxing vs. Waning
 



 

NEW MOON

Moon is not visible (except during solar eclipse) as illuminated side is facing away from earth.


 

WAXING CRESCENT

Moon is less than half illuminated and illumination is increasing.



 

FIRST QUARTER

Half of the Moon appears to be illuminated and illumination is increasing.



 

WAXING GIBBOUS

Moon is more than half illuminated and illumination is increasing.



 

FULL MOON

Moon is fully illuminated and facing earth.



 

WANING GIBBOUS

Moon is more than half illuminated and illumination is decreasing.



 

LAST QUARTER

Half of the Moon appears to be illuminated and illumination is decreasing.



 

WANING CRESCENT

Moon is less than half illuminated and illumination is decreasing.

What about Blue Moon? The cycle phase is 29.5 days which is less than most calendar months (February), therefore it is not often that you have two Full Moons within one month. When two Full Moons do occur in the same month the second is called a Blue Moon and this only happens approximately every 2.7 years (or once in a Blue Moon).

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Present Moon Phase

CURRENT MOON

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