Lunar Phases

The moon does not actually produce its own light
It reflects light from the sun
The Moon

• Moon phases are the portion of the lit moon as seen from
Earth.
• Moon phases are caused by the Sun, Earth, and Moon being
in different positions relative to each other.
• As we look out from Earth, we can only see certain parts of
the lit moon.
• SHADE IN THE SHADE!
What are moon phases and what causes them?
New
Moon
Waxing
Crescent
First
Quarter
Waxing
Gibbous
Full
Moon
Waning
Gibbous
Third
Quarter
Waning
Crescent
New
Moon
~ 1 week ~ 1 week ~ 1 week ~ 1 week
Waxing Period
Light “creeps” across Moon from
Right to Left
Waning Period
Darkness “creeps” across Moon
from Right to Left