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waning moon

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

A waning moon is a moon that is getting smaller. It is the opposite of a waxing moon.

The moon goes through a cycle of phases, from new moon to full moon and back again. The waning moon phase starts after the full moon and ends before the new moon.

During the waning moon phase, the moon appears to get smaller and smaller each day because the part of the moon that is lit up by the sun is getting smaller each day.

The waning moon phase lasts for about two weeks.

The waning moon phase is divided into three stages:

  • Waning gibbous: This is the first stage of the waning moon phase. The moon appears to be more than half full.
  • Waning crescent: This is the second stage of the waning moon phase. The moon appears to be less than half full.
  • Third quarter: This is the third and final stage of the waning moon phase. The moon appears to be a thin crescent.

The waning moon phase is a beautiful time to observe the moon. The moon appears to be smaller and more delicate, and the shadows are longer and more pronounced.

How can the word be used?

The waning moon is a symbol of change and transition.

waning moon

Different forms of the word

Noun: the moon in its last quarter, when the illuminated part is decreasing.

Etymology

The word "waning" comes from the Old English word "wanian", which means "to grow weak or less".

The first recorded use of the word "waning" in English was in the 14th century.

Question

What is a waning moon?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Explain the concept of a waning moon and its different phases. Discuss how the changing appearance of the moon during its waning phases is a result of its relative position with respect to the Earth and the Sun.

Answer:

A waning moon refers to the lunar phase when the visible portion of the moon's illuminated surface diminishes gradually. This phase follows the full moon and precedes the new moon, completing one cycle of phases in approximately 29.5 days.

During the waning phases, the moon's illuminated area progressively decreases as it orbits the Earth. This changing appearance is a result of the moon's relative positions in the Earth-Sun-moon system. As the moon moves away from the full moon position, the angle between the Earth, moon, and Sun changes. This causes us to see less of the illuminated half of the moon from our vantage point on Earth.

The waning phases include the waning gibbous (more than half but decreasing), third quarter (half), and waning crescent (less than half) phases. The specific shape of the illuminated portion depends on the moon's position along its orbit.