What Are the Phases of the Moon?

The 8 Primary Phases of the Moon

The lunar cycle takes about 29.5 days to complete, during which the Moon goes through eight distinct phases:

1. New Moon: The Moon is between the Earth and Sun, so the side facing us is not illuminated.
2. Waxing Crescent: A small sliver of the Moon becomes visible, and this sliver grows (waxes) each day.
3. First Quarter: The Moon is 90 degrees away from the Sun and appears half-lit.
4. Waxing Gibbous: More than half of the Moon is lit, and the illuminated portion continues to grow.
5. Full Moon: The Earth is between the Sun and Moon, so the entire side of the Moon facing us is illuminated.
6. Waning Gibbous: The illuminated portion starts to shrink (wanes) each day.
7. Third Quarter: The Moon is on the opposite side of its orbit and again appears half-lit.
8. Waning Crescent: The illuminated sliver continues to shrink until the cycle returns to the New Moon.

Conclusion

The phases of the Moon are a predictable cycle based on its orbit around the Earth. To see the current phase and track the entire lunar month, check out our Moon Phase Calendar.