Flashcard Prep Homework Moon Phases & Eclipses

Front

What is the new moon phase?

Back

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

Front

What causes the moon's phases?

Back

The moon's phases are caused by the amount of sunlight reflected onto the moon from the sun as the moon orbits the Earth.

Front

What is a lunar eclipse?

Back

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Earth's shadow to cover the Moon.

Front

What is a crescent moon?

Back

A crescent moon is a phase where a small section of the Moon facing Earth is illuminated, appearing as a thin sliver.

Front

What is a waxing gibbous moon?

Back

A waxing gibbous moon is a phase where more than half of the Moon is illuminated and is increasing 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, last quarter, and waning crescent.

Front

What is the difference between a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse?

Back

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun's light, while a lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon.

Front

What is the full moon phase?

Back

The full moon phase occurs when the Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun, fully illuminating the Moon.

Front

What is the significance of the moon's orbit in relation to its phases?

Back

The moon's orbit around the Earth determines the angle at which sunlight hits the Moon, creating the different phases.

Front

What is a waning crescent moon?

Back

A waning crescent moon is a phase where a small portion of the Moon is illuminated and decreasing in illumination.