These changes in appearance are the phases of the moon. As the moon orbits Earth, it cycles through eight distinct phases. The four primary phases of the moon (new moon, first quarter, full moon ...

Here are the different phases of the moon: Phases of the Moon New Moon: The Moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun, ...

Waxing crescent Moon – less than half of the visible surface is illuminated (starts as a thin, curved sliver) and getting larger. There are eight phases of the Moon beginning with the new Moon ...

In reality, the moon isn't generating light; it's reflecting sunlight. There are eight phases of the moon during a 29.5-day cycle: new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous ...