What Are the 4 Main Phases or Quarters of the Moon Called?

The moon is a fascinating object that has fascinated humans for centuries. Its phases and movements are often associated with folklore and mythologies across different cultures. One such characteristic of the moon is its cycle of phases, which takes about 29.5 days to complete. During this cycle, the moon goes through four main phases or quarters, which are known by their unique names.

New Moon

The new moon is the first phase of the moon’s cycle. This phase is marked by the absence of visible moonlight from the Earth. During a new moon, the moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, which makes the side of the moon facing the Earth dark. This phase usually lasts for one to two days, after which the moon starts to move into the next phase.

First Quarter Moon

The second phase of the moon’s cycle is the first quarter moon. This phase occurs when half of the moon’s visible surface is illuminated by sunlight, while the other half remains dark. During this phase, the moon is positioned at a 90-degree angle from the Earth and the Sun, which creates a visible line separating the illuminated and dark regions of the moon’s surface. The first quarter moon usually occurs around 7 days after a new moon.

Full Moon

The full moon is perhaps the most recognizable phase of the moon’s cycle. During this phase, the entire visible surface of the moon is illuminated by the Sun, which makes it appear as a complete disc in the night sky. The full moon is usually visible from Earth for one to three days, starting from the night of the full moon. This phase occurs about 14 days after a new moon.

Last Quarter Moon

The last quarter moon is the final phase of the moon’s cycle. During this phase, half of the moon’s surface is once again illuminated by sunlight, while the other half remains dark. The last quarter moon occurs when the moon is positioned at a 270-degree angle from the Earth and the Sun, which creates a visible line separating the illuminated and dark regions of the moon’s surface. The last quarter moon usually occurs around 21 days after a new moon.

What Are the 4 Main Phases or Quarters of the Moon Called?

When we look up at the sky at night, it’s common to notice the moon in its different shapes and sizes. The lunar cycle is the periodic change in the moon’s appearance, which is due to the lunar phases. These phases or quarters of the moon are essential to understand if you are interested in astronomy, astrology, or even space exploration. In this blog post, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the four main phases of the moon.

What Causes the Phases of the Moon?

The phases of the moon occur due to the relative positions of the sun, Earth, and moon. The moon revolves around the Earth, and the Earth revolves around the sun in an elliptical orbit. When the moon is on the side of the Earth facing the sun, it appears to light up, and when it is on the opposite side, it appears to be dark. The variations in the way the sun’s light hits the moon’s surface from different positions cause the phases of the moon.

What Are the Four Main Phases or Quarters of the Moon?

The four main phases or quarters of the moon as seen from Earth are the new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter. The phases last approximately 29.5 days.

New Moon

The new moon is the start of the lunar cycle and occurs when the moon is positioned between the sun and Earth. At this point, the side of the moon facing Earth is completely dark, making it invisible to the human eye. The new moon rises and sets with the sun and cannot be seen during the day.

First Quarter Moon

The first quarter moon is when the moon appears half illuminated, and half is in shadow. It occurs about a week after the new moon when the moon has completed approximately one-quarter of its orbit around the Earth. The first quarter moon appears high in the sky during the afternoon and sets after midnight.

Full Moon

The full moon is what it sounds like; the moon in its fully illuminated circular state. It happens when the moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the sun. The full moon rises when the sun sets and sets when the sun rises, which means it is visible all night long. It is a beautiful astronomical phenomenon and is often sought after by photographers and stargazers alike.

Last Quarter Moon

The last quarter moon occurs about three weeks after the new moon when the moon has completed about three-quarters of its orbit around the Earth. The moon appears half-illuminated, with the other half in the shadow. Interestingly, the orientation of the last quarter moon is opposite to that of the first quarter moon. The last quarter moon is visible in the sky from midnight until noon.

What Are the Other Lunar Phases?

In addition to the four primary phases of the moon, there are other lunar phases, including waxing crescent, waxing gibbous, waning crescent, and waning gibbous. These phases occur between the primary phases and offer a more intricate view into the lunar cycle.

Waxing Crescent

The waxing crescent moon is the phase between the new moon and first quarter moon. It appears as a thin crescent-shaped sliver of light, illuminating approximately one-quarter of the lunar disk. This moon phase is visible in the western sky after sunset.

Waxing Gibbous

The waxing gibbous moon is the phase that occurs between the first quarter and full moon. It is a phase when the moon is illuminated greater than half but not yet fully. It appears as a large, bright, and almost circular disk. It is visible in the east in the early evening and throughout the night.

Waning Crescent

The waning crescent moon is the phase that occurs after the last quarter and before the new moon. It is visible in the eastern sky just before sunrise, and it appears as a thin crescent-shaped sliver of light, illuminating approximately one-quarter of the lunar disk.

Waning Gibbous

The waning gibbous moon is the phase that occurs between the full moon and last quarter. The moon appears as a large, bright, and almost circular disk. It is visible in the west in the early evening and throughout the night.

What Are the 4 Main Phases or Quarters of the Moon Called?

The Moon is one of the brightest and most prominent objects in the night sky. It has been an object of fascination and study for centuries. One of the reasons for its allure is its phases. The Moon goes through four main phases or quarters in its monthly orbit around the Earth. In this blog post, we will explain each of these phases and some interesting facts about them.

New Moon

The New Moon phase marks the beginning of the lunar cycle. During this phase, the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, and the side of the Moon that faces the Earth is not illuminated. This phase lasts for approximately one day, but it can be longer or shorter depending on your location on the Earth.

The dark side of the Moon is not visible from Earth during the New Moon phase. However, this phase is still useful to astronomers and sky gazers. It is the best time to observe the stars and deep sky objects because the Moon’s light is not interfering.

Waxing Crescent

After the New Moon phase, the moon gradually starts to become visible as a thin crescent. This phase is known as the Waxing Crescent. During this phase, the Moon is moving away from the Sun, and a small portion of its surface is illuminated.

The Waxing Crescent phase lasts for approximately one week, and the Moon becomes more visible each day. This is the ideal time to observe the Moon with a telescope or binoculars because the shadows along the edge of the illuminated area create a visually stunning effect.

First Quarter

The First Quarter phase occurs when the Moon’s illumination is exactly halfway between a Waxing Crescent and a Waxing Gibbous. This phase is also referred to as the Half Moon phase. During this phase, we can see half of the Moon’s surface illuminated by the Sun.

The First Quarter phase marks the halfway point between the New Moon and Full Moon. It lasts for approximately one week and is an excellent phase for conducting lunar observations, such as mapping the Moon’s surface or observing the craters, mountains, and valleys in detail.

Waxing Gibbous

The Waxing Gibbous is the final phase before the Full Moon. During this phase, the Moon’s illumination is greater than halfway but less than fully illuminated. The Waxing Gibbous phase lasts for approximately one week and is one of the most beautiful phases, allowing us to see the contrasting shadows and bright areas on the Moon’s surface.

The Waxing Gibbous phase is also the ideal time for moon photography, as the Moon’s surface details are illuminated, and the shadows create a dramatic and beautiful effect.

Full Moon

The Full Moon is the most famous and well-known phase of the Moon. During this phase, the entire face of the Moon is illuminated by the Sun, and it is undoubtedly the most beautiful and awe-inspiring phase.

The Full Moon phase lasts for approximately three days and often carries mythological significance in many cultures. This is an excellent time for many outdoor activities such as hikes or beach walks.

However, for astronomers and other interested parties, the Full Moon phase can make stargazing somewhat challenging due to the Moon’s brightness interfering with the observation.

Waning Gibbous

After the Full Moon phase, the brightness of the Moon gradually starts to decrease, and it goes back to the Waxing Gibbous phase, but in the reverse order. This phase is known as the Waning Gibbous phase, where the Moon’s illumination is greater than halfway but less than fully illuminated.

The Waning Gibbous phase lasts for approximately one week and is an excellent time for observing the Moon’s surface with a telescope or binoculars. Like the Waxing Gibbous phase, it is also the ideal time for moon photography.

Third Quarter

The Third Quarter phase is also referred to as the Half Moon phase when the Moon’s illumination is exactly halfway between a Waning Gibbous and a Waning Crescent. During this phase, one-half of the Moon’s surface is illuminated, and the other half is in darkness.

This phase marks the halfway point between the Full Moon and the New Moon. It lasts for approximately one week and is an excellent time to map the Moon’s surface or watch it through a telescope.

Waning Crescent

The final phase in the lunar cycle is the Waning Crescent phase, a period of decreasing brightness that leads to the New Moon phase. During this phase, the Moon’s illumination is less than halfway, and only a small part of the Moon’s surface is visible.

As the Moon becomes less visible and moves closer to the Sun, the Waning Crescent phase comes to an end, marking the beginning of the new lunar cycle.

Conclusion

In summary, the Moon has four main phases or quarters in its monthly orbit around the Earth. The New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Third Quarter, and Waning Crescent phases are all unique and offer sky enthusiasts opportunities to observe and study the moon in different ways. We hope that you have found this blog post informative and interesting, and it has enabled you to learn more about the wondrous world of the Moon.