The moon does not produce its own light but reflects sunlight. Moon phases occur as the illuminated portion of the moon visible from Earth changes due to the relative positions of the sun, Earth, and moon. Major moon phases include new, crescent, first quarter, gibbous, full, third quarter, and waning crescent as the illuminated area of the moon waxes and wanes over the course of about a week each.

1. Lunar Phases

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

3. • 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