Moon Phases and Eclipses

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 a lunar eclipse?

Back

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

Front

What is a solar eclipse?

Back

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, blocking all or part of the Sun's light.

Front

What is the difference between a total and partial eclipse?

Back

In a total eclipse, the entire Sun or Moon is obscured, while in a partial eclipse, only a part of the Sun or Moon is obscured.

Front

What is the penumbra?

Back

The penumbra is the outer part of a shadow where light is partially blocked.

Front

What is the umbra?

Back

The umbra is the central, darkest part of a shadow where light is completely blocked.

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, known as a lunar month.

Front

What causes the phases of the Moon?

Back

The phases of the Moon are caused by the relative positions of the Moon, Earth, and Sun, which affect how much of the Moon's surface is illuminated.

Front

What is a waxing phase?

Back

A waxing phase is when the visible portion of the Moon is increasing, moving from New Moon to Full Moon.

Front

What is a waning phase?

Back

A waning phase is when the visible portion of the Moon is decreasing, moving from Full Moon to New Moon.