When the moon is between the Sun and Earth, the illuminated side of the moon faces away from us. It is not visible in the night sky.
Waxing Crescent Moon
The moon is less than one-half illuminated by the sun, but less than one quarter illuminated. It occurs when the moon's illumination is increasing.
First Quarter Moon
The moon is one-half illuminated by the sun. The right side of the moon appears bright and the left side appears dark.
Waxing Gibbous Moon
The moon is more than one-half illuminated by the sun but not completely illuminated. It continues to grow until finally Earth is between Sun and the Moon.
Full Moon
The whole side of the Moon facing the Earth becomes lighted. The Sun and Moon appear opposite to each other in the sky.
Waning Gibbous Moon
The moon is more than one-half illuminated by the sun but not completely illuminated. It occurs when the moon's illumination is decreasing.
Last Quarter Moon
The moon is one-half illuminated by the sun. The left half of the moon appears bright, and the right side of the moon appears dark. It is also called third quarter.
Waning Crescent Moon
During waning crescent moon, we can only see a small piece on the left side is lighted. After this phase is complete, the moons cycle will start over again with the new moon.
