What are the Different Shapes of Moon Called?

The moon has been a fascinating object in the sky for centuries. It’s a celestial body that has the ability to impact our planet in various ways. But have you ever noticed that the moon appears to change its shape almost every night? These different shapes have appropriate names and are referred to as the moon phases. In this blog post, we’re going to explore what the different shapes of the moon are called and their significance.

New Moon

The first phase of the moon is called the ‘New Moon.’ During this phase, the moon isn’t visible to us on Earth. This occurs when the Moon is precisely between the Sun and the Earth. The side of the moon facing Earth is unlit and the dark side of the moon faces us. This phase usually lasts for one night, from a few hours before the new moon to a few hours after it.

Waxing Crescent Moon

The moon starts to become visible in the sky a few days after the new moon, taking the shape of a waxing crescent moon. The first visible slice appears to be slowly increasing in size each night after sunset. The name ‘waxing’ means increasing, and ‘crescent’ means less than half of a circle. During this phase, the moon appears like a sector with a curved edge, supported by a small stem.

First Quarter Moon

Seven days after the new moon, the first-quarter phase of the moon appears. The illuminated surface of the Moon is now half exposed and appears like a semicircle. The first-quarter moon can usually be seen high in the sky at sunset, and it sets during the middle of the night.

Waxing Gibbous Moon

In the following days, the moon takes the shape of a waxing gibbous. This phase occurs when more than half, but not all, of the illuminated surface of the Moon is visible. We can witness this phase when the moon starts showing a bulging appearance on one side. ‘Gibbous’ comes from a Latin word that means “humpbacked,” which is appropriate for the phase’s shape.

Full Moon

The full moon is the most popular phase of the moon. During this phase, the illuminated surface of the moon appears to be a complete circle. This is when the Moon is exactly opposite the Sun, seen as a full circle. The full moon rises when the sun sets and will be visible throughout the night.

Waning Gibbous Moon

The moon starts to decrease in size a few days after the full moon, becoming a waning gibbous. This phase occurs when more half, but not all, of the illuminated surface of the Moon is visible. The difference between this phase and the waxing gibbous is that the bulge appears to be on the opposite side. This phase is also called the “disseminating Moon.”

Last Quarter Moon

Three-quarters of the way through the lunar cycle, we can observe the last quarter moon. During this phase, the moon appears as a semicircle. It rises at midnight and sets at noon. It also tells us that the moon is three-quarters through its monthly cycle.

Waning Crescent Moon

This is the last phase of the lunar cycle, occurring right before the new moon. The moon starts to appear like a crescent once again, but this time, it’s a waning crescent. ‘Waning’ is the opposite of ‘waxing,’ which means decreasing. The moon will continue to decrease in size until it becomes invisible, starting the cycle again.

What Are The Different Shapes Of Moon Called?

The Moon has been a source of fascination and wonder for humans for centuries. Apart from being Earth’s natural satellite, it’s a beautiful celestial object to observe in the night sky. The Moon changes shape as it orbits around the Earth, and these shapes are called “phases.” There are eight distinct phases of the Moon, and each one has its unique appearance and name. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the different shapes of the Moon and their names.

What Causes the Different Shapes of the Moon?

Before we dive into the different shapes of the Moon, it’s essential to understand what causes them. The Moon’s phases are a result of its position relative to the Earth and the Sun. The Sun’s light reflects off the Moon’s surface, and as the Moon orbits around the Earth, the amount of sunlight that we can see varies. The varying amount of sunlight produces the different phases of the Moon.

The Different Shapes of the Moon

The eight distinct shapes of the Moon are:

1. New Moon

A New Moon occurs when the Moon is situated between the Earth and the Sun, and the Moon’s un-illuminated side faces us. This makes the Moon invisible to us from Earth, and it can’t be seen in the sky.

2. Waxing Crescent

The Waxing Crescent phase occurs when the Moon is partially illuminated, and we can see only a small crescent shape of the Moon. The Moon is visible in the western sky just after sunset.

3. First Quarter

The First Quarter Moon occurs when the Moon is half illuminated, and we can see the right half of the Moon. The Moon is visible in the afternoon sky until midnight.

4. Waxing Gibbous

A Waxing Gibbous occurs when the Moon is more than half illuminated, and we can see more than half of the Moon’s disc. The Moon is visible in the eastern sky after sunset.

5. Full Moon

A Full Moon occurs when the Moon is directly opposite the Earth relative to the Sun, and its illuminated side faces us. The Moon’s surface appears to be fully illuminated, making it a beautiful and captivating sight.

6. Waning Gibbous

A Waning Gibbous phase occurs when the Moon’s illuminated area starts to decrease gradually. We can still see more than half of the Moon’s disc, and it is visible in the eastern sky after sunset.

7. Third Quarter

The Third Quarter phase occurs when the Moon is half illuminated, but we can see the left half of the Moon. The Moon is visible in the morning sky until noon.

8. Waning Crescent

The Waning Crescent phase occurs just before the New Moon. We can see only a small crescent in the eastern sky before sunrise.

What are the Different Shapes of Moon Called?

The moon, Earth’s natural satellite, is a perennial object of wonder for people across the world. It has been studied by scientists, artists, and researchers for centuries, and it still holds a fascination for many today. One of the unique features of the moon is its shape, which changes over time. In this blog post, we will explore the different shapes of the moon and what they are called.

New Moon

The first phase of the lunar cycle is the new moon. During this phase, the moon is not visible from Earth, as it is located in the direction of the sun. A new moon usually occurs once a month, and it marks the beginning of a new lunar cycle.

Crescent Moon

The crescent moon is the first visible phase of the moon after the new moon. During this phase, a small crescent shape can be seen on the right or left side of the moon. The crescent moon is visible for several days after the new moon, and it is known for its delicate and beautiful appearance.

Half Moon (First Quarter)

The half moon, also known as the first quarter, occurs when half of the moon is visible from Earth. During this phase, the moon appears as a semicircle, with the right half visible in the northern hemisphere, and the left half visible in the southern hemisphere. This phase occurs one week after the new moon.

Gibbous Moon

The gibbous moon is the phase of the moon that occurs after the first quarter and before the full moon. During this phase, more than half of the moon is visible from Earth, but it is not yet full. The gibbous moon appears as a bulging shape, and it is sometimes described as looking like a football or a rugby ball.

Full Moon

The full moon is perhaps the most well-known and recognizable phase of the moon. During this phase, the entire face of the moon is visible from Earth, and it appears as a perfect circle. The full moon occurs approximately once a month, and it is associated with many cultural traditions and beliefs.

Disseminating Moon (Last Quarter)

The disseminating moon, also known as the last quarter, occurs when half of the moon is visible from Earth. However, this time it is the left half in the northern hemisphere and the right half in the southern hemisphere. This phase occurs one week after the full moon.

Balsamic Moon

The balsamic moon is the final phase of the lunar cycle, which occurs just before the new moon. During this phase, the moon appears as a thin crescent, much like the crescent moon seen earlier in the cycle. However, the balsamic moon is much fainter and harder to see than the crescent moon, and it marks the end of the lunar cycle.

Conclusion

The moon is an incredible object to behold, and its changing shape over the lunar cycle is just one of the many fascinating features it possesses. By understanding the different shapes of the moon and what they are called, we can deepen our appreciation for this magnificent natural satellite. Whether you observe the moon through a telescope, enjoy its beauty in the night sky, or simply reflect on its cosmic significance, the moon is sure to capture your imagination and inspire wonder for generations to come.