Question 1

What are the 8 phases of the moon?

Accepted Answer

The 8 moon phases are: New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent. The cycle repeats approximately every 29.5 days.

Question 2

How long is a lunar cycle?

Accepted Answer

A complete lunar cycle (synodic month) lasts approximately 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes, and 3 seconds — commonly rounded to 29.5 days.

Question 3

What is a full moon?

Accepted Answer

A full moon occurs when the Moon is on the opposite side of Earth from the Sun, making the entire near side of the Moon visible from Earth. It happens approximately every 29.5 days.

Question 4

Why does the moon appear to change shape?

Accepted Answer

The Moon doesn't actually change shape — we see different portions of its sunlit half as it orbits Earth. These changing illuminations are what we call moon phases.

Question 5

What is a new moon?

Accepted Answer

A new moon is when the Moon is between Earth and the Sun, making it invisible (or nearly so) from Earth. This marks the beginning of a new lunar cycle.

Question 6

What is a supermoon?

Accepted Answer

A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the Moon's closest approach to Earth (perigee), making it appear slightly larger and brighter than average.

January 3	Saturday
February 1	Sunday
March 3	Tuesday
April 1	Wednesday
May 1	Friday
May 30	Saturday
June 29	Monday
July 28	Tuesday
August 27	Thursday
September 25	Friday
October 25	Sunday
November 23	Monday
December 23	Wednesday

January 17	Saturday
February 16	Monday
March 17	Tuesday
April 16	Thursday
May 15	Friday
June 14	Sunday
July 14	Tuesday
August 12	Wednesday
September 11	Friday
October 10	Saturday
November 9	Monday
December 8	Tuesday

Moon Phases 2026

Upcoming Moon Phases

Full Moons 2026

New Moons 2026

The 8 Moon Phases Explained

Frequently Asked Questions