Moon & Its Phases

Front

What is the Moon?

Back

The Moon is a natural satellite that orbits Earth.

Front

What causes the Moon to shine?

Back

The Moon shines because it reflects light from the Sun.

Front

What are the phases of the Moon?

Back

The phases of the Moon are the different shapes the Moon appears to have from Earth, caused by its position relative to the Sun and Earth.

Front

How many main phases does the Moon have?

Back

The Moon has four main phases: New Moon, First Quarter, Full Moon, and Last Quarter.

Front

What is a New Moon?

Back

A New Moon is 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 occurs when the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon, and the entire face of the Moon 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 Moon's orbit affect its phases?

Back

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

Front

What is the distance from the Earth to the Moon?

Back

The average distance from Earth to the Moon is about 238,855 miles (384,400 kilometers).

Front

Why does the Moon appear larger when it is near the horizon?

Back

The Moon appears larger near the horizon due to an optical illusion called the 'Moon illusion'.