43 FAQs about Phases of the Moon (The Astronomy Cafe)

 

Lunar Phase Calculator: 1800-2199: US Naval Observatory

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Definitions: Textbook Definition of the Basic Phases

 Back to the Astronomy Cafe - 365 of the most popular questions since 1996. Over 1 million page requests!

Beginner

  1. [Updated]What is a Pink Moon?
  2. [Updated]Why don't all New Moons cast a shadow on the Earth?
  3. [Updated]When will there be another Full Moon on Christmas Day?
  4. [Updated]What is the youngest Moon after New Moon that has ever been seen?
  5. [Updated]What phase is the Moon in in the daytime?
  6. Is there a name for the second New Moon in a month?
  7. What are the scientific names for the lunar phases?
  8. When did a Blue Moon fall in the same year as a Full Moon on Christmas Eve?
  9. Is the Full Moon seen the same by everyone on the same day?
  10. What are the names of the Full Moons during the year?
  11. How old is the Moon's crescent when you first start to see it with the naked eye?
  12. What is a Bad Moon?
  13. When will the next Halloween have a Full Moon?
  14. What is a "Sorcerer's Moon"?
  15. What are the two New Moons in a month called?
  16. Why does the Full Moon look so big especially the Harvest Moon?

Intermediate

  1. [Updated]Does the Full Moon have any effect on humans or animals?
  2. [Updated]Does the Full Moon affect crime statistics?
  3. [Updated]How long does a Full Moon last?
  4. Two of the lunar phases are called 'Balsamic' and 'Disseminating'. Why?
  5. How often does a 'Dry Moon' happen with the horns of the Moon pointed straight up?
  6. Why does the Harvest Moon look bigger than other Full Moons?
  7. How many years would it take for a Full Moon to reoccur at the same time on a given date?
  8. Can a perfect Full Moon ever happen?
  9. How often is there a New Moon on the Winter Solstice?
  10. What do you call the crescent Moon when the points of the crescent are pointed straight up from the horizon?
  11. What is the significance of the 'crescent moon-star' symbol seen on flags and ancient drawings?
  12. Does the Full Moon rise exactly at the same time that the Sun sets?

Advanced

  1. If I add the length of a synodic lunar month to one lunar phase, why don't I get exactly the next lunar phase?
  2. What years had Full Moons either on October 31 or November 1 since the year 1000 B.C.?
  3. Is the Full Moon seen the same by everyone on the same day?
  4. Where can I get software to predict when New and Full moons will happen?
  5. Where can I get information about daily lunar phases, rising/setting and sky location?
  6. Why were the lunation counts started in 1922?
  7. Are changes in atmospheric pressure related to lunar phases?
  8. Where can I get the lunar phases for the year for a calendar?
  9. Why does the Full Moon look so big especially the Harvest Moon?
  10. Does the Full Moon rise exactly at the same time that the Sun sets?

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