GIBBOUS MOON Meaning and
Definition
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A gibbous moon refers to the phase of the moon in which it appears to be more than half illuminated but less than fully illuminated or in its utmost brightness. During this phase, the sun illuminates more than 50% of the moon's surface, resulting in a distinct curvature or bulge. This phase occurs between the first quarter moon and the full moon, or between the waning crescent moon and the third quarter moon.
When observing a gibbous moon, one can notice that it looks like a semi-circular shape, with the illuminated part occupying more than half of the moon's surface but not the entire circumference. The term "gibbous" derives from the Latin word "gibbosus," meaning humpbacked or convex, accurately describing the appearance of the moon during this phase.
The gibbous moon is a noteworthy and captivating celestial phenomenon frequently observed from Earth. Its prominence in the night sky marks an intermediary phase between the waxing and waning periods of the moon's monthly cycle. Whether viewed purely for its aesthetic beauty or as a navigational guide, the gibbous moon serves as a prominent cosmic spectacle, bridging the gap between the crescent and the full moon.
Common Misspellings for GIBBOUS MOON
- fibbous moon
- vibbous moon
- bibbous moon
- hibbous moon
- yibbous moon
- tibbous moon
- gubbous moon
- gjbbous moon
- gkbbous moon
- gobbous moon
- g9bbous moon
- g8bbous moon
- givbous moon
- ginbous moon
- gihbous moon
- gigbous moon
- gibvous moon
- gibnous moon
- gibhous moon
- gibgous moon
Etymology of GIBBOUS MOON
The word "gibbous" originated from the Latin term "gibbosus", which means "humpbacked" or "swollen". It was adopted into Middle English as "gibbus", meaning "hump" or "rounded projection". In the context of the moon, the term "gibbous" refers to the stage in its lunar cycle when more than half, but less than fully, of the moon is illuminated. Therefore, a gibbous moon appears as a swelling or hump on the side of the lunar disk.
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