Lunar Phases

Lunar phases refer to the continuous and perpetual dance of the Earth, Moon, and Sun. The term “phases” describes the different appearances of the Moon as it orbits around our planet. These appearances are caused by the reflection of the Sun’s light on the Moon’s surface.

The lunar phase cycle lasts approximately 29.5 days, which coincidentally is the same amount of time it takes for me to finish a tub of ice cream.

There are eight main lunar phases, which can be summed up as follows:

1. New Moon - The Moon disappears, leaving only darkness and despair (much like my bank account after payday).
2. Waxing Crescent - The Moon begins to emerge from its hiding place, looking like a fingernail clipping.
3. First Quarter - The Moon has grown to half of its full appearance, much like the pile of laundry on my bed.
4. Waxing Gibbous - The Moon is just about fully lit, but has a chunk missing that makes it look like a delicious cookie.
5. Full Moon - The Moon is fully illuminated, creating a romantic and enchanting atmosphere. Or, if you’re like me, it’s just an excuse to howl at the sky.
6. Waning Gibbous - The Moon has begun to wane, and the missing chunk now looks like a bite taken out of the cookie.
7. Last Quarter - The Moon has dwindled to half its full appearance, much like the crumbs that remain at the bottom of a bag of chips.
8. Waning Crescent - The Moon is almost gone, much like any hope of me getting out of bed before noon.

Overall, lunar phases are a beautiful reminder that even the Moon goes through phases, and brighter days are always ahead. Or, in my case, brighter nights filled with Netflix and takeout.