synodic month
The 'synodic month' is fundamental in astronomy and is used to measure the time it takes for the Moon to complete a cycle of phases as seen from Earth.
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Definition
C1Astronomy
(technical, academic)The average time it takes for the Moon to return to the same phase, such as from new moon to new moon, approximately 29.53 days.
Example
- The synodic month is used to predict the dates of future full moons.
B2Calendar
(technical)The period of time between successive new moons or full moons, forming the basis for many traditional lunar calendars.
Example
- Lunar calendars are based on the synodic month, tracking the Moon's phases.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "synodic month":
lunar monthsidereal periodsidereal yearsidereal dayfull moon