Lunar Phases Diagram

The 8 moon phases in order are new moon waxing crescent first quarter waxing gibbous full moon waning gibbous third quarter and finally waxing crescent. The illustration may look a little complex at first but its easy to explain.

Lunar Phases Diagram 1659 Stock Image C007 2232

So the basic explanation is that the lunar phases are created by changing angles relative positions of the earth the moon and the sun as the moon orbits the earth.

Lunar phases diagram. Synodic comes from the greek words meaning journey together referring to the sun and moons positions with respect to each other. A waxing gibbous moon occurs when more than half of the lit portion of the moon can be seen and the shape increases waxes in size from one day to the next. Naap astronomy labs lunar phases moon phases and the horizon diagram.

Diagram of the moons phases. The lunar cycle moon phases repeats with a period of 295 days. The moon has phases the wanes waxes and even sometimes we cant even see the moon during its phase.

The phase is as seen in the northern hemisphere of the earth. Moon phase diagram explanation. If youd like to examine the phases of the moon more closely via computer software you may be interested in this moon phases calendar software.

The moon is shown at 8 key stages during its revolution around the earth. The earth is at the center of the diagram and the moon is shown orbiting dashed circle. The sun lights half of the moon and earth from the right side.

The earth of course is at the center of the diagram. To learn all about the moon and its 8 phases check out this guide. The new moon is when the moon is between the sun and earth so the entirety of the dark side is turned towards earth.

A full moon is when we can see the entire lit portion of the moon. Home naap labs lunar phases lunar phase simulator naap astronomy labs lunar phases lunar phase simulator. Sunlight is shown coming in from the right.

This is called a synodic period. The waxing gibbous phase occurs between the first quarter and full moon phases. The new moon phase on our moon phase diagram.

All of the light reflected off the moon is reflected away from earth so we dont see any of the familiar moonglow. The phase of the moon is shown next to the corresponding position of the moon in its orbit around earth.

Moon Phases Diagram Space Astronomy Pictures Photos