Difference between waxing and waning

Last update: 25/04/2023
Author Sebastian Vidal

Introduction

In this article we will talk about the difference between two concepts that are often confused: growing y ebb. Both terms are related to the month and its appearance in the sky during different phases. Below, we will break down each of these terms and its meaning.

Growing

The crescent moon occurs when it moves in the sky after of the moon new. In this phase, the moon leaves getting bigger each night. That is, each night a larger portion of the moon is shown than the previous night. This phase of the moon is represented in the shape of a "C" in the northern hemisphere and a "D" in the southern hemisphere.

How to identify the crescent moon

To identify the crescent moon in the sky, you should make sure that its shape is that of a "C" if you are in the northern hemisphere, or a "D" if you are in the southern hemisphere. In addition, the crescent moon usually appears in the sky after sunset, in the eastern area.

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Ebb

On the other hand, the waning moon occurs when the moon is moving towards the new moon. In this phase, the moon leaves getting smaller each night. That is, each night a smaller portion of the moon is shown than the previous night. This phase of the moon is represented in the shape of a "C" in the southern hemisphere and a "D" in the northern hemisphere.

How to identify the waning moon

To identify the waning moon in the sky, you should make sure that its shape is that of a "C" if you are in the southern hemisphere, or a "D" if you are in the northern hemisphere. In addition, the waning moon usually appears in the sky after noon, in the west.

Conclusion

In summary, the difference between waxing and waning is that in the former the moon becomes larger each night, while in the latter the moon becomes smaller. It is important to know how to identify each of these phases in order to understand more about how the moon works in the lunar cycle and to be able to enjoy the beauty of the night sky.

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FAQs

  • Is a crescent moon the same as a crescent moon? No, the crescent occurs when the moon, moving after the new moon, is at a point where half of it is shown illuminated.
  • Is the waning moon a phase of the full moon? No, the waning moon occurs after the full moon, when the moon is moving towards the new moon.