Phases of the Moon

As the moon's position in relation to Earth changes, from your place on Earth you may observe some "changes" in the moon's shape and appearance. The moon does not really change its shape, but these changes coincide with five phases: new moon, crescent moon, quarter moon, gibbous moon, and full moon.

New Moon Phase

During the new moon phase, the moon is directly in front of Earth in relation to the sun. The sunlit side of the moon faces away from Earth.