What is the Difference Between Waxing and Waning Moon?

The terms "waxing" and "waning" refer to the changing phases of the Moon as it orbits the Earth. The difference between waxing and waning Moon is as follows:

• Waxing Moon: A waxing Moon is when the illuminated part of the Moon is increasing as the days go by. It is after the new Moon and lasts up to the full Moon. During a waxing phase, the Moon will appear more illuminated each night. In the Northern Hemisphere, a waxing Moon is illuminated on the right side, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it is illuminated on the left side.
• Waning Moon: A waning Moon is after the full Moon and remains waning until the new Moon occurs again. As the Moon wanes, less of it will illuminate night by night. In the Northern Hemisphere, a waning Moon is illuminated on the left side, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it is illuminated on the right side.

To remember the difference, you can use the rhyme "bright and right". If the Moon is bright on the right side, it is waxing, and if it is bright on the left side, it is waning.

Comparative Table: Waxing vs Waning Moon

The waxing and waning moon refer to the changing phases of the moon as it orbits the Earth. The terms "waxing" and "waning" describe the moon's appearance as it grows or shrinks, respectively. Here is a table summarizing the differences between the waxing and waning moon:

In the Northern Hemisphere, a waxing moon is illuminated on the right side, while a waning moon is illuminated on the left side. In the Southern Hemisphere, the moon illuminates from left to right, becomes full, and then diminishes from left to right. The waxing moon is associated with the growth of the moon's illumination, while the waning moon represents the completion of activities and self-reflection.