Moon & Its Phases

Front

What is the Moon?

Back

The Moon is Earth's only natural satellite, orbiting around our planet.

Front

What are the phases of the Moon?

Back

The phases of the Moon are the different shapes the Moon appears to take as it orbits Earth, including new moon, crescent, first quarter, gibbous, and full moon.

Front

What causes the Moon's phases?

Back

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

Front

What is a lunar mare?

Back

Lunar mare are the dark, flat areas on the Moon's surface formed by ancient volcanic eruptions.

Front

How does the Sun affect our view of the Moon?

Back

The Sun's light reflects off the Moon, allowing us to see it from Earth.

Front

How much larger is the Sun than the Moon?

Back

The Sun is about 400 times larger than the Moon.

Front

What is a new moon?

Back

A new moon is the phase when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, and we cannot see it from Earth.

Front

What is a full moon?

Back

A full moon is the phase when the entire face of the Moon is illuminated by the Sun, making it fully visible from Earth.

Front

What is the difference between a crescent moon and a gibbous moon?

Back

A crescent moon is when less than half of the Moon is illuminated, while a gibbous moon is when more than half is illuminated.

Front

What is the orbit of the Moon?

Back

The Moon orbits Earth in an elliptical path, taking about 27.3 days to complete one orbit.