Moon Phases, Eclipses and Tides

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 cover the Moon.

Front

What is a solar eclipse?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between a total and partial lunar eclipse?

Back

In a total lunar eclipse, the entire Moon passes through the Earth's umbra (full shadow), while in a partial lunar eclipse, only a portion of the Moon enters the umbra.

Front

What causes tides on Earth?

Back

Tides are caused primarily by the gravitational pull of the Moon and, to a lesser extent, the Sun.

Front

What is the role of the Moon in Earth's tides?

Back

The Moon's gravitational pull creates bulges in the Earth's oceans, leading to high and low tides.

Front

What is the significance of the 5-degree tilt of the Moon's orbit?

Back

The 5-degree tilt of the Moon's orbit relative to the Earth's orbit around the Sun prevents solar and lunar eclipses from occurring every month.

Front

What color does the Moon appear during a total lunar eclipse?

Back

During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon often appears red-orange due to Rayleigh scattering of sunlight through the Earth's atmosphere.

Front

What is the difference between spring tides and neap tides?

Back

Spring tides occur during full and new moons when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are aligned, resulting in higher high tides and lower low tides. Neap tides occur during the first and third quarters of the moon when the Sun and Moon are at right angles, resulting in lower high tides and higher low tides.

Front

How often do lunar eclipses occur?

Back

Lunar eclipses can occur up to three times a year, but not every month due to the tilt of the Moon's orbit.