Many moons

New Moon

A New Moon has no light reflecting off the lunar surface that faces us. This is because it’s positioned between Earth and the Sun.

Full Moon

On the opposite side of a New Moon, a Full Moon occurs when the Moon reflects sunlight off its entire visible surface.

Blood Moon

This only occurs during a total lunar eclipse, because as the Moon enters Earth’s umbra the sunlight is scattered by Earth’s atmosphere. This presents a blood-like colour on the Moon.

Blue Moon

A Blue Moon is not literally blue; it instead refers to the second Full Moon in the same calendar month.

Supermoon

A Supermoon arises when a Full Moon is at its closest approach to Earth, offering maximum illumination.

As the Moon orbits the Earth its different positions present different lunar phases, which go by various nicknames