Lunar Cycle Flashcards
This is the term used to describe the moon that is increasing in light
waxing
The change in appearance of the Moon as it makes one full revolution around the Earth
Lunar Cycle
The first phase of the moon and it appears unlit from Earth
new moon
The lighted part of the Moon as seen from Earth is increasing. The light is on the right and in the shape of a crescent
Waxing Crescent
The Moon is one quarter of the way through the lunar cycle
First Quarter
The Moon is between the Earth and the Sun
new moon
How long does it take to go a quarter of the way through the lunar cycle
7 days or 1 week
From the Earth it appears to be half lit on the right
First Quarter
From the Earth the Moon appears to be more than half lit on the right, the light is shaped like a football
Waxing Gibbous
The Moon is three quarters of the way through its cycle
Third or Last Quarter
How many days does it take to go to the next lunar phase?
3-4
The Moon is halfway through its cycle
Full Moon
This is the term used to describe when the moon is decreasing in light
waning
How long does the whole lunar cycle take?
28-29 days
From the Earth, the Moon appears to be more than half lit on the left, the lighted part is now decreasing
Waning Gibbous
