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The point along the Moon’s orbit that is halfway between New Moon and Full Moon is called First Quarter, and the point opposite to that is called Last Quarter. The period between two consecutive New Moon's is called a lunation. A new Moon occurs every 29.53 days this is also called the synodic period. |
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A Solar eclipse can only occur when it is New Moon, as this is the only position where the Moon is able to block the Sun's light. Strictly speaking, this is not an eclipse, but an occultation (for total eclipses) or a transit (for annular and partial eclipses) A Lunar eclipse is only possible when it is Full Moon, as this is the only position where the Moon can pass into the earth's shadow and be eclipsed. |
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