New Moon
This Phase is invisible, it occurs when the night side of the Moon is facing the Earth and the illuminated side is facing the Sun.
Waxing Crescent
This small silver section of the Moon only appears when the illuminated half of the Moon is facing almost entirely away from Earth.
First Quarter
The First Quarter sees half of the illuminated half of the Moon. This phase will be high in the sky, perfect for a photo!
Waxing Gibbous
Here we see the majority of the Moon's illuminated side. This is the brightest phase so far.
Full Moon
The Moon is now opposite the Sun and so we can see the whole of the Moon's dayside. We can see the Moon shining in all her glory!
Waning Gibbous
The opposite side of the Moon will now reflect light as it journeys back towards the Sun.
Last Quarter
The penultimate Phase of the Moon sees one quarter of the Moon illuminated. This Phase is also known as The Third Quarter Moon.
Waning Crescent
Once again, we see a tiny sliver of the Moon illuminated. The Moon is now nearly back to the part of it's orbit where it's illuminated face is directed at the Sun.