Waning gibbous Moon
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Waning gibbous Moon
Waning gibbous Moon. Image 18 of 27. Optical image of a waning (decreasing in apparent size) gibbous Moon 18 days into its 28-day cycle. The lunar phases arise as the Moons orbit of the Earth shows the Earth-facing side moving into and out of the light of the Sun. This Earth-facing side of the Moon is locked in place by the gravitational influence of the Earth. This results in a lunar day that equals the length of the lunar Earth orbit. On a waning Moon the day-night line (terminator) marks the lunar sunset. The Moon is gibbous when it is more than half full. Taken in October 2001. A sequence of the monthly cycle of Moon phases is shown on images R340/644-670
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6425903
© ECKHARD SLAWIK/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Cosmology Cycle Cycles Cyclical Gibbous Lunar Mare Maria Moon Optical Period Periodical Periods Phase Planetary Satellite Satellites Seas Sun Light Sun Lit Waning
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the waning gibbous Moon in all its celestial glory. Illuminated by the gentle glow of sunlight, this optical image showcases the Moon 18 days into its 28-day cycle. As our closest cosmic neighbor, the Moon's phases are a result of its orbit around Earth, causing the Earth-facing side to transition between light and darkness. Locked in place by Earth's gravitational pull, this particular lunar day matches the length of our planet's orbit around the Sun. The waning Moon is marked by a distinct day-night line known as the terminator, which signifies lunar sunset. In this phase, when more than half full but gradually decreasing in apparent size, we witness a mesmerizing play of shadows and light on its surface. Taken in October 2001, this image provides us with an extraordinary glimpse into one part of the monthly cycle of Moon phases. From maria (seas) to craters and mountain ranges scattered across its terrain, each feature tells a story about our fascinating satellite. As we contemplate this stunning photograph from Science Photo Library's collection without any commercial intent or mention thereof, it serves as a reminder of nature's cyclical beauty and invites us to marvel at both our own planet's interconnectedness with celestial bodies and humanity’s relentless pursuit to understand them through scientific exploration.
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