Moon ExactlyMoon Exactly
Waxing vs. Waning Moon
Waxing means the illuminated fraction is growing; waning means it is shrinking. That definition works everywhere, even when the bright side appears reversed in your sky.
How to tell the difference
From New Moon to Full Moon, the Moon is waxing. From Full Moon to New Moon, it is waning. In many Northern Hemisphere views the right side brightens while waxing; in much of the Southern Hemisphere the orientation appears reversed. Near the equator, the crescent can look like a tilted smile.
Quarter does not mean 25% lit
First Quarter and Last Quarter refer to orbital progress through the cycle. At either quarter phase, about half of the Earth-facing disk is illuminated. A quarter of the orbit has elapsed at First Quarter; three quarters at Last Quarter.
Common misconceptions
A waxing Moon does not mean the Moon is moving closer to Earth, and waning does not mean it is shrinking. The Moon’s apparent shape comes from changing Sun–Earth–Moon geometry. Its orbital distance varies on a separate cycle.
Questions, answered
Frequently asked questions
Is a crescent always waxing?
No. Crescents occur both after New Moon (waxing) and before New Moon (waning).
Does the bright side always point toward the Sun?
Yes. The illuminated side is always the side facing the Sun, even when perspective makes the orientation surprising.
Why does the Moon look upside down when I travel?
Your local horizon and viewing latitude rotate the apparent orientation.