Moon phases at north hemisphere

The moon phases in the Northern Hemisphere are a fascinating celestial dance that unfolds as the Moon orbits the Earth, presenting different illuminated portions of its surface to observers on our planet. This rhythmic cycle, known as the lunar cycle, consists of distinct phases, each with its own unique appearance and position in the sky.

Key points about Moon phases in the Northern Hemisphere:

1. **New Moon**: The lunar cycle begins with the New Moon. During this phase, the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun. The side of the Moon illuminated by the Sun is facing away from Earth, making the Moon appear dark or entirely invisible from our perspective.

2. **Waxing Crescent**: As the days progress, a thin sliver of the Moon becomes visible, marking the Waxing Crescent phase. This crescent-shaped slice of the Moon's surface gradually becomes more illuminated each night, growing larger in the western evening sky.

3. **First Quarter**: About a week after the New Moon, we reach the First Quarter phase. During this time, exactly half of the Moon's face is illuminated and visible. It appears as a half-moon shape and is often high in the sky during the afternoon and early evening.

4. **Waxing Gibbous**: The Moon continues to wax, and more than half of its surface becomes illuminated. This phase, known as the Waxing Gibbous, is characterized by a nearly full Moon with a small shadowed area. It is visible in the eastern sky during the afternoon and night.

5. **Full Moon**: Around two weeks after the New Moon, we reach the Full Moon. During this phase, the entire side of the Moon facing Earth is fully illuminated by the Sun. The Moon appears as a bright, round disc, often rising in the east as the Sun sets in the west.

6. **Waning Gibbous**: After the Full Moon, the Moon begins to wane. The Waning Gibbous phase features a decreasingly illuminated Moon with a small shadowed area. It is visible in the western sky during the late night and early morning.

7. **Last Quarter**: The Moon reaches the Last Quarter phase, where exactly half of the Moon's face is illuminated, but this time, it is the opposite half from the First Quarter. It appears as a half-moon shape and is often visible in the western sky during the early morning hours.

8. **Waning Crescent**: In the final phase of the lunar cycle, the Waning Crescent, only a thin sliver of the Moon is visible, gradually diminishing in size each night. This phase is also sometimes called the "Old Moon." It is visible in the eastern sky before sunrise.

These Moon phases repeat in a continuous cycle, creating a mesmerizing display in the Northern Hemisphere's night sky, each phase lasting about 7.4 days on average. The changing positions and shapes of the Moon provide a beautiful natural spectacle and have inspired cultures and traditions throughout history.