The Moon does not emit light, but only reflects light emitted by the Sun. It travels around the Earth in 27 days 7 hours and rotates on its axis in the same time; consequently, the same face of the Moon is always turned towards us. During its journey we see first a narrow crescent (new moon) which gradually widens until the whole surface is visible (full moon), then it gradually diminishes until nothing at all is seen. Period from New Moon to New Moon averages 29½ days: 1st Quarter 7½ days; Full 14¾ days.
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