Moon Phases

Front

What moon phase is this picture?

Back

This is the full moon phase.

Answer explanation

The full moon phase occurs when the moon is fully illuminated by the sun, appearing as a complete circle. This matches the description of the correct answer, confirming that the picture shows the full moon phase.

Front

What moon phase is this picture?

Back

This is the waning gibbous phase.

Answer explanation

The waning gibbous phase occurs after the full moon, where more than half of the moon is illuminated but decreasing. This picture shows a large illuminated portion, indicating it is the waning gibbous phase.

Front

What is this moon phase?

Back

This is the waxing gibbous phase.

Answer explanation

The waxing gibbous phase occurs after the first quarter and before the full moon, when more than half of the moon is illuminated but not fully. This distinguishes it from the other phases listed.

Front

What is this moon phase?

Back

This is the first quarter moon phase.

Answer explanation

The first quarter moon phase occurs when half of the moon is illuminated and visible from Earth. This distinguishes it from other phases like the waxing gibbous or new moon, making it the correct choice.

Front

What moon phase is this picture?

Back

This is the waning crescent moon phase.

Answer explanation

The waning crescent moon phase occurs when less than half of the moon is illuminated and decreasing. This picture shows a small sliver of light on the left, indicating it is indeed the waning crescent phase.

Front

What moon phase is this picture?

Back

This is the waxing crescent moon phase.

Answer explanation

The waxing crescent moon phase occurs after the new moon, when a small sliver of the moon becomes visible. This phase is characterized by a crescent shape that grows larger each night, confirming it as the correct choice.

Front

What moon phase is this image?

Back

This is the new moon phase.

Answer explanation

The new moon phase occurs when the moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, making it invisible from Earth. This matches the description of the image, confirming it as the new moon phase.

Front

What phase of the moon is this image?

Back

This is the last quarter moon phase.

Answer explanation

The last quarter moon phase occurs when half of the moon is illuminated and appears as a semi-circle. This distinguishes it from the full moon, first quarter, and waxing gibbous phases.

Front

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

Back

The gibbous shows more than half of the bright side of the moon.

Answer explanation

A gibbous moon is when more than half of the moon's surface is illuminated, while a crescent moon shows less than half. Therefore, the correct choice is that the gibbous shows more than half of the bright side of the moon.

Front

How many phases does the moon go through?

Back

8

Answer explanation

The moon goes through 8 distinct phases in its lunar cycle, including the new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter, along with the waxing and waning crescents and gibbous phases.