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What is a new moon?
A new moon generally can't be seen, except during a solar eclipse. They cross the sky with the sun during the day. The moon's shadow side is toward Earth.
January 2, 2023
What is a full moon?
The full moon, opposite the sun in its orbit, shows us its sunlit side. The moon appears full a couple of days before and after the exact moment of full moon.
January 1, 2023
What is a waxing crescent moon?
A waxing crescent moon shines in the west after sunset, first visible a day or two after new moon with earthshine. It sets after the sun after sunset.
January 1, 2023
What is a last quarter moon?
The last quarter moon appears a week after full moon and a week before new moon. The moon appears half-lit, like half a pie.
January 1, 2023
First quarter moon appears half-illuminated
The first quarter moon is halfway between new and full moon. Half of the moon is illuminated and it's a quarter of the way through it's orbit around the Earth.
January 1, 2023
4 keys to understanding moon phases
As the moon orbits Earth, we see varying fractions of its lighted face. These are the changing phases of the moon. Read four tips to understanding moon phases.
January 1, 2023
What is a waxing gibbous moon?
A waxing gibbous moon is in the sky before it's dark and lights up the early evening. It's more than half lighted, but not quite full. It sets after midnight.
January 1, 2023
What is a waning gibbous moon?
The waning gibbous moon falls between the full and last quarter moon. Watch for it to rise late at night. Or see it in the west in the morning.
January 1, 2023
Hunter’s Moon falls on October 9 in 2022
The Hunter's Moon - full moon following the Harvest Moon - is on October 9 in 2022. The bright object near the full moon is our solar system's largest planet, Jupiter.
October 9, 2022
2022’s September full moon is the Harvest Moon
The September full moon – the Harvest Moon – happens overnight on September 9-10, 2022. This full moon lies near Jupiter in the constellation Aquarius.
September 9, 2022
