Answer:The Moon has phases because it orbits Earth, which causes the portion we see illuminated to change. The Moon takes 27.3 days to orbit Earth, but the lunar phase cycle (from new Moon to new Moon) is 29.5 days. ... As the Sun sets, the Moon rises with the side that faces Earth fully exposed to sunlight (5).The eight phases of the Moon in order are:
waxing gibbous Moon. full Moon. waning gibbous Moon. last quarter Moon.about 29.5 days
However, it takes our Moon about 29.5 days to complete one cycle of phases (from new Moon to new Moon). This is called the synodic month.Waning means it is getting smaller. Third Quarter: We see the third quarter moon as a half moon, too. It is the opposite half as illuminated in the first quarter moon. Waning Crescent: We see the waning crescent phase as a thin crescent opening to the right.
Explanation:
