Phases of the moon Flashcard

Front

What causes the Moon to be visible from Earth?

Back

The Moon orbits Earth and reflects light from the Sun back to Earth.

Front

What are the phases of the Moon in order from a full moon to a new moon?

Back

The correct series of phases is waning gibbous, third quarter, waning crescent.

Front

What is a third quarter moon?

Back

A third quarter moon is the phase where half of the Moon is illuminated and is decreasing in illumination.

Front

What are the main phases of the Moon?

Back

The main phases of the Moon are new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, third quarter, and waning crescent.

Front

How does the position of the Moon affect its phases?

Back

The phases of the Moon are determined by its position relative to Earth and the Sun, affecting how much of its illuminated half is visible from Earth.

Front

What is the significance of the term 'waning' in relation to the Moon?

Back

'Waning' refers to the period when the illuminated portion of the Moon is decreasing.

Front

What is the significance of the term 'waxing' in relation to the Moon?

Back

'Waxing' refers to the period when the illuminated portion of the Moon is increasing.

Front

What is a full moon?

Back

A full moon occurs when the entire face of the Moon is illuminated by the Sun as viewed from Earth.

Front

What is a new moon?

Back

A new moon occurs when the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, making it invisible from Earth.

Front

How long does it take for the Moon to complete one full cycle of phases?

Back

It takes approximately 29.5 days for the Moon to complete one full cycle of phases.