of the moon when it is more than half but less than fully illuminated.
The phase of the moon when it is more than half but less than fully illuminated is known as a gibbous moon. It appears to be more than half illuminated, but not completely round like a full moon. There are two types of gibbous moons:
1. Waxing Gibbous: This phase occurs between a first quarter moon and a full moon. The illuminated portion of the moon continues to increase, resulting in a crescent shape that is more than half but less than fully illuminated. The left side of the moon appears more illuminated during a waxing gibbous phase in the Northern Hemisphere.
2. Waning Gibbous: This phase occurs after a full moon and before a third quarter moon. The illuminated portion of the moon starts to decrease, resulting in a crescent shape that is more than half but less than fully illuminated. The right side of the moon appears more illuminated during a waning gibbous phase in the Northern Hemisphere.