Sidereal vs Synodic Lunar Months | Animated Explanation | In under 4 Minutes

Recent questions

• What is a sidereal month?

  A sidereal month is the time taken by the moon to complete one full revolution around the earth, approximately 27.322 days or 27 days 7 hours 43 minutes. This period is based on the moon's position concerning distant stars.

• Define a synodic month.

  A synodic month is the time between two consecutive new moon days, involving the moon completing a revolution around the earth and realigning with the sun and earth. It takes about 29.530 days or 29 days 12 hours 44 minutes to complete a synodic month.

• How long does a sidereal month last?

  A sidereal month lasts approximately 27.322 days or 27 days 7 hours 43 minutes. This period is based on the moon's orbital motion concerning distant stars and not its alignment with the sun.

• What is the duration of a synodic month?

  A synodic month lasts about 29.530 days or 29 days 12 hours 44 minutes. This period is based on the time it takes for the moon to complete a full cycle of phases, from new moon to new moon, aligning with the sun and earth.

• How do sidereal and synodic months differ?

  Sidereal months are based on the moon's orbital motion concerning distant stars, lasting approximately 27.322 days. In contrast, synodic months are based on the moon's phases, taking about 29.530 days to complete a full cycle from new moon to new moon, aligning with the sun and earth.