QUARTER MOON Meaning and
Definition
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Quarter moon refers to the lunar phase where the moon appears to be one-quarter illuminated, as observed from the Earth. During this phase, the moon is positioned at a 90-degree angle relative to the Earth and the Sun. The term "quarter" denotes the approximate one-fourth portion of the moon that is visible from our vantage point.
The shape of a quarter moon is akin to a semicircle, with a straight edge separating the illuminated portion from the dark side. The visible portion of the moon gradually increases or decreases leading up to or following a quarter moon phase, respectively. The exact timing of a quarter moon can vary each lunar month, depending on the alignment of the Earth, moon, and Sun.
As the moon orbits around the Earth, it experiences varying amounts of sunlight due to its position in relation to the Earth and the Sun. This results in the different phases of the moon, such as quarter moons. These phases are observable from Earth due to the reflection of sunlight off the moon's surface.
Quarter moons are often associated with a half-moon in common parlance, even though they do not necessarily represent precisely half of the moon's surface illuminated. Nevertheless, quarter moons serve as essential markers for understanding the lunar cycle and determining the progression towards a full moon or a new moon.
Common Misspellings for QUARTER MOON
- quater-moon
- quartar-moon
- 1uarter moon
- 2uarter moon
- wuarter moon
- auarter moon
- qyarter moon
- qharter moon
- qjarter moon
- qiarter moon
- q8arter moon
- q7arter moon
- quzrter moon
- qusrter moon
- quwrter moon
- quqrter moon
- quaeter moon
- quadter moon
- quafter moon
- quatter moon
Etymology of QUARTER MOON
The word "quarter moon" originates from the combination of two separate words: "quarter" and "moon".
The term "quarter" comes from the Old English word "cweortermo(n)", which originally referred to one-fourth of a whole, particularly in relation to dividing a year into quarters. Over time, "quarter" expanded in meaning to include various divisions, parts, or segments of something.
On the other hand, "moon" has its roots in the Old English word "mona", which is derived from the Germanic "manon". This word is akin to the Old High German word "mano" and the Old Norse word "manu". The term "moon" has been used throughout history to refer to Earth's natural satellite, which has lunar phases.
When combined, "quarter moon" essentially describes one of the four primary phases of the moon, where it appears half-illuminated.
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