The moon has a lot of looks and each one happens for a reason. It takes the moon about 29 and a half day to orbit the Earth and during this time, the sun illuminates the moon from varying angles which creates a shadow effect that we see here on Earth. At the start of each lunar cycle, the moon is between the earth and the sun.
This is called “New Moon”( 0% illumination ). The side of the moon visible from Earth is not illuminated and therefore we can’t see it. As the angle between the Moon and the Sun increases so does the amount of moon we are able to see.
After the new moon, it enters the waxing crescent phase where we can see 1% to 49% of the moon. When it reaches 50% of illumination it becomes the first-quarter moon, which is kind of confusing. Next is the Waxing Gibbous Phase ( illumination 51%-99% ). In this phase, we can see about half to almost all of the moon. Finally, We get to see the Full Moon. We get one glorious night of full moon and then the illumination starts to fade.
After the full moon, we see the waning phase which is the opposite of waxing. The moon follows the same illumination pattern just flipped with the final phase being the waning crescent. It starts all over again with the new moon.
This is called “New Moon”( 0% illumination ). The side of the moon visible from Earth is not illuminated and therefore we can’t see it. As the angle between the Moon and the Sun increases so does the amount of moon we are able to see.
After the new moon, it enters the waxing crescent phase where we can see 1% to 49% of the moon. When it reaches 50% of illumination it becomes the first-quarter moon, which is kind of confusing. Next is the Waxing Gibbous Phase ( illumination 51%-99% ). In this phase, we can see about half to almost all of the moon. Finally, We get to see the Full Moon. We get one glorious night of full moon and then the illumination starts to fade.
After the full moon, we see the waning phase which is the opposite of waxing. The moon follows the same illumination pattern just flipped with the final phase being the waning crescent. It starts all over again with the new moon.
But if you are in the Northern Hemisphere, a Waxing moon will be illuminated on the Right Side, While a waning moon will be illuminated on the left. It’s the opposite in the Southern Hemisphere.
So now you know, the next time you see a waxing moon, a full moon is right around the corner.
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