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waxing moon

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

The waxing moon is the phase of the moon that occurs between the new moon and the full moon. During this phase, the amount of the moon's surface that is illuminated by the sun increases. The waxing moon is divided into three phases:

  • The first quarter moon is when half of the moon's surface is illuminated.
  • The waxing gibbous moon is when more than half of the moon's surface is illuminated.
  • The full moon is when the entire moon's surface is illuminated.

The waxing moon is caused by the moon's orbit around the Earth. As the moon orbits the Earth, the amount of the moon's surface that is illuminated by the sun changes.

How can the word be used?

The waxing moon is a symbol of growth and change.

waxing moon

Different forms of the word

Noun: the moon in its increasing illuminated phase, from new moon to full moon.

Verb: to increase in illuminated phase, from new moon to full moon.

Etymology

The word "waxing moon" comes from the combination of the words "wax" and "moon".

The word "wax" comes from the Old English word "weaxan", which means "to grow".

The word "moon" comes from the Old English word "mōna", which also means "moon".

The first recorded use of the word "waxing moon" was in the 14th century.

Question

What is a waxing moon?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Describe the phases of the waxing moon and its significance in the lunar cycle. Explain the reasons behind the changing appearance of the moon during its waxing phase and how it transitions into the next lunar phase.

Answer:

The waxing moon refers to the period during the lunar cycle when the moon's illuminated portion, as seen from Earth, is increasing. This phase follows the new moon and precedes the full moon, marking the gradual progression from darkness to illumination.

As the moon orbits Earth, the angle between the sun, moon, and Earth changes. During the waxing moon, the moon is positioned in a way that its illuminated portion becomes more visible each night. The first visible phase is the waxing crescent, where a small, illuminated sliver emerges on the moon's right side (northern hemisphere) or left side (southern hemisphere). Over the next days, the illuminated portion expands, transitioning through the first quarter and waxing gibbous phases.

The waxing moon is significant in various cultural and religious traditions, symbolising growth, potential, and renewal. It also plays a role in activities such as gardening, where the increasing moonlight is thought to influence plant growth.

The waxing phase continues until the moon reaches its fullest extent during the full moon phase. At this point, the illuminated side faces Earth directly. After the full moon, the moon enters its waning phase, gradually diminishing in illumination until it becomes a new moon once again.