Moon Phases, Eclipses & Tides

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What is a Solar Eclipse?

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

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What is a Lunar Eclipse?

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

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What are Spring Tides?

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Spring tides are the highest and lowest tides that occur when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are aligned, typically during full and new moons.

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What are Neap Tides?

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Neap tides are the lower high tides and higher low tides that occur when the Moon is at a right angle to the Sun, typically during the first and third quarter moons.

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What is a Waning Crescent Moon?

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A waning crescent moon is a phase of the moon where less than half of the moon is illuminated, and it is decreasing in visibility.

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What is a Waxing Crescent Moon?

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A waxing crescent moon is a phase of the moon where less than half of the moon is illuminated, and it is increasing in visibility.

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What is a Full Moon?

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A full moon is a phase of the moon where the entire face of the moon is illuminated by the Sun.

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What is a First Quarter Moon?

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A first quarter moon is a phase where half of the moon is illuminated and is increasing towards a full moon.

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What is a Last Quarter Moon?

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A last quarter moon is a phase where half of the moon is illuminated and is decreasing towards a new moon.

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What causes Tides?

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Tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun on Earth's oceans.