New Moon -- the Moon is not illuminated by direct sunlight.
Waxing Crescent -- the visible Moon is partly but less than one-half illuminated by direct sunlight while the illuminated part is increasing.
First Quarter -- one-half of the Moon appears illuminated by direct sunlight while the illuminated part is increasing.
Waxing Gibbous -- the Moon is more than one-half but not fully illuminated by direct sunlight while the illuminated part is increasing.
NOTE: Gibbous etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin gibbosus meaning humpbacked, from Latin gibbus meaning hump.
Full Moon -- the visible Moon is fully illuminated by direct sunlight.
Waning Gibbous -- the Moon is less than fully but more than one-half illuminated by direct sunlight while the illuminated part is decreasing.
Last Quarter -- one-half of the Moon appears illuminated by direct sunlight while the illuminated part is decreasing.
Waning Crescent -- the Moon is partly but less than one-half illuminated by direct sunlight while the illuminated part is decreasing.
NOTE: Following Waning Crescent is a New Moon, beginning a repetition of the complete phase cycle of 29.5 days average duration.
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