Moon Phases Explained

New Moon

• Occurs when the Moon is next to the Sun.
• The bright side faces away from Earth, and only the dark side is visible to us.

Visibility of the Moon

• Moon becomes visible as it moves away from the Sun's glare.
• Rises around 50 minutes later each day.
• After New Moon, it initially rises just after the Sun, making it hard to see.
• As the Sun sets, a crescent Moon becomes visible.

First Quarter Moon

• Occurs when the Moon is 90 degrees from the Sun as seen from Earth.
• Half of the Moon's face is illuminated.
• Marks one-quarter completion of the Moon's orbit around Earth.
• Rises around midday and can be seen in the afternoon sky.

Full Moon

• Occurs about two weeks after New Moon.
• The Moon is on the opposite side of Earth from the Sun.
• The side facing Earth is fully lit.
• The Moon is visible all night long.

Third Quarter Moon

• Appears about one week after Full Moon.
• Rises around midnight.
• Opposite orientation of illuminated half compared to First Quarter.

Waning Crescent

• A few days after the Third Quarter.
• Moon appears as a thin crescent just before sunrise.
• Eventually becomes invisible due to the Sun's glare, completing the cycle back to New Moon.

Lunar Cycle

• The complete lunar cycle spans just over four weeks.

Observation Notes

• In the Southern Hemisphere, the Moon appears inverted and moves in the opposite direction.

Engagement

• Viewers are invited to share their favorite Moon phase.
• Encouraged to subscribe for future videos and live streams of eclipses.