A full moon is coming at the end of this month. No worries if you miss it, though. Another one will be here before you know it! The changing of the moon’s visible shape is just one of the many circles of life happening around us. Here’s a sweet way to get to learning the phases of the moon as it waxes (the illuminated surface builds) and wanes (decreases).
Learn Moon Phases with Oreo Cookies
All you need is a bunch of Oreos (because, mistakes and accidents, right?) and a spreading knife or butter knife. Keep a paper towel nearby to dispose of the filling once it’s removed. Oh, and keep a glass of milk handy, just in case.
- New moon. This is the cookie without any cream. The moon is not visible from Earth during this first phase (unless there’s a solar eclipse).
- Waxing crescent moon.
- Waxing quarter moon
- Waxing gibbous moon.
- Full moon.
- Waning gibbous moon
- Waning three-quarter moon.
- Waning crescent moon.
International Observe the Moon Night
Learn moon phases and more as you celebrate International Observe the Moon Night (InOMN), “an annual worldwide public event that encourages observation, appreciation, and understanding of our Moon and its connection to NASA planetary science and exploration. Everyone on Earth is invited to join the celebration by hosting or attending an InOMN event — and uniting on one day each year to look at and learn about the Moon together.”
Although InOMN takes place in October, getting people together on a crisp winter night works, too. right? Grab the hot cocoa, enjoy the resources below and gather your friends!
If you want to plan your own moon-viewing party, NASA has a great kit, chock full of family-friendly resources. Moon FAQs, also thanks to NASA.