The months as we know them (January, February, etc.) are solar,
based on how many days it takes the earth to revolve around the sun,
roughly divided by twelve. A moon-th, or lunar (moon) month, is
based on how long it takes the moon to orbit around the earth.
The phases (shapes) of the moon change according to its cycle as it
rotates around the earth, and the position of the moon with respect to
the rising or setting sun. This cycle lasts about 29 ½ days.
A (moon) month starts on “day one” with a new moon. The sun and
the moon are in the same position and rise and set together. We can’t
see the new moon.
The moon rises and sets roughly 50 minutes later each day.
The moon appears to “grow” or it waxes each day from a new moon
to a full moon. The waxing moon’s bright side points at the setting
sun and can be seen in the late afternoon on a clear day.
A crescent moon is between new and half (less than half full), and
may be waxing or waning.
The half-moon waxing or first quarter moon occurs about a week
after the new moon. The moon is a quarter of the way through its
rotation, but it looks “half full.” The first quarter moon is highest in
the sky when the sun sets.
A gibbous (fat) moon is between half and full (more than half) and
may be waxing or waning. As it approaches full, the moon appears to
be getting bigger and is visible in the east in the afternoon.
First Quarter
Full Moon
Waxing
Gibbous
New Moon
Waxing
Crescent
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For Creative Minds
Moon Observations
