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.

Front

What causes the phases of the Moon?

Back

The phases of the Moon are caused by the Moon's orbit around Earth and the way sunlight reflects off it.

Front

What is a new moon?

Back

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

Front

What is a full moon?

Back

A full moon occurs when the Moon is on the opposite side of Earth from the Sun, and we can see the entire illuminated part.

Front

What is a quarter moon?

Back

A quarter moon is when half of the Moon is illuminated and half is dark.

Front

What is a gibbous moon?

Back

A gibbous moon is when more than half of the Moon is illuminated but it is not yet full.

Front

What are lunar maria?

Back

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

Front

How does the distance from the Moon affect its appearance?

Back

The Moon appears smaller when it is further away and larger when it is closer to Earth.

Front

How much larger is the Sun than the Moon?

Back

The Sun is about 400 times larger than the Moon.