kuutason

Kuutason is a Finnish word that translates to "moon phase" in English. It refers to the various shapes of the Moon as seen from Earth, which change cyclically over a period of approximately 29.5 days. These phases are a result of the Moon's orbit around Earth and the changing angles at which the Moon is illuminated by the Sun.

The primary moon phases are:

1. New Moon: The Moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun, and the side facing Earth is not illuminated.

2. Waxing Crescent: A small portion of the Moon's right side is illuminated, growing larger each day.

3. First Quarter: Half of the Moon is illuminated, appearing as a half-circle.

4. Waxing Gibbous: More than half of the Moon is illuminated, growing larger each day.

5. Full Moon: The entire side of the Moon facing Earth is illuminated.

6. Waning Gibbous: More than half of the Moon is illuminated, but the illuminated portion is decreasing each day.

7. Last Quarter: Half of the Moon is illuminated, appearing as a half-circle.

8. Waning Crescent: A small portion of the Moon's left side is illuminated, decreasing each day.

Kuutason is an important concept in astronomy and has cultural significance in various societies. It has been used for navigation, timekeeping, and agricultural planning. The term is also used in astrology to describe the Moon's position in the zodiac.