1. Phases of the Moon Vocabulary
What does our moon look like (it doesn’t always look the same, but we’re always looking at the same side)

2. Lunar Cycle
The cycle of the Moon’s appearance. Takes about 29.5 days.

3. Waxing Moon
The term “waxing” means that the Moon is “growing” in size.

4. Waning Moon
The term “waning” means that the Moon is “shrinking” in size, or getting smaller.
When the Light is on the Left it’s Leaving (light is getting smaller, so it’s waning)

5. New Moon
The Moon is not seen on Earth because of the brightness of the Sun.

6. Full Moon
We see the entire half of the Moon. The Sun’s rays hit the Moon, and reflect back to Earth.

7. Crescent Moon
A small piece of the Moon.

8. Gibbous Moon
A large piece of the Moon. Bigger than half of the near side of the Moon.