Astronomy Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Preparation Guide

Question: 1 / 460

What is the phase of the moon that occurs after a full moon and before a last quarter?

Waxing gibbous

Waning gibbous

The phase of the moon that occurs after a full moon and before the last quarter is known as the waning gibbous.

During this phase, the moon is still largely illuminated but is gradually decreasing in visibility as it transitions to the last quarter. The term "waning" refers to the decrease in the illuminated portion of the moon that is visible from Earth. In the waning gibbous phase, more than half of the moon's surface is illuminated, but it is less than what is seen during the full moon.

Understanding the sequence of lunar phases is essential in astronomy, as it helps in recognizing how the moon's position relative to the Earth and the Sun affects its appearance. In contrast, other phases like waxing gibbous, new moon, and first quarter occur at different points in the lunar cycle and do not fall between a full moon and the last quarter.

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New moon

First quarter

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