New Moon, waxing crescent, First Quarter, waxing gibbous, Full Moon, waning gibbous, Last Quarter, and waning crescent. A cycle starting from one Full Moon to its next counterpart, termed the ...

As it grows, it is known as a waxing moon, and gradually increases from a waxing "crescent" (for its shape into the first quarter moon. As it continues to brighten, it takes on an oblong ...

The moon's orbit is elliptical, or oval-shaped, meaning as its distance from our planet changes, its apparent size changes, too — but only slightly. If you're an avid moon-watcher, you might ...