What phase follows the Full Moon?

Explore the intricacies of the Sun-Earth-Moon System with our C20 Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions to gain a comprehensive understanding of celestial mechanics. Prepare thoroughly for your exam!

Multiple Choice

What phase follows the Full Moon?

Explanation:
The phase that comes after the Full Moon is Waning Gibbous. After a Full Moon, the visible illuminated portion of the Moon starts shrinking as it moves toward the New Moon, so it’s waning. “Wan­ing” means decreasing illumination, and “gibbous” means more than half of the Moon is lit, though not fully lit. This phase sits between the Full Moon and the Third Quarter, lasting about a week before half of the Moon is illuminated again at Third Quarter. For context, the sequence around this part of the cycle goes Full Moon → Waning Gibbous → Third Quarter → Waning Crescent → New Moon. The other options correspond to phases earlier or later in the cycle.

The phase that comes after the Full Moon is Waning Gibbous. After a Full Moon, the visible illuminated portion of the Moon starts shrinking as it moves toward the New Moon, so it’s waning. “Wan­ing” means decreasing illumination, and “gibbous” means more than half of the Moon is lit, though not fully lit. This phase sits between the Full Moon and the Third Quarter, lasting about a week before half of the Moon is illuminated again at Third Quarter. For context, the sequence around this part of the cycle goes Full Moon → Waning Gibbous → Third Quarter → Waning Crescent → New Moon. The other options correspond to phases earlier or later in the cycle.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy