Moon Phases

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, First Quarter, Full Moon, and Last Quarter.

Front

What causes the moon phases?

Back

The moon phases are caused by the moon's movement around Earth and how sunlight illuminates different parts of the moon.

Front

How long does it take for the moon to complete one cycle of phases?

Back

It takes about 29.5 days for the moon to complete one cycle of phases.

Front

What is a New Moon?

Back

A New Moon is a phase where the moon is between Earth and the sun, and it is not visible from Earth.

Front

What is a Full Moon?

Back

A Full Moon is a phase where the entire face of the moon is illuminated by the sun and appears as a bright round circle.

Front

How much of the moon is always lit?

Back

Half of the moon is always lit by the sun, but we only see a portion of it from Earth.

Front

What is the First Quarter Moon?

Back

The First Quarter Moon is the phase where half of the moon is illuminated and appears as a half-circle.

Front

What is the Last Quarter Moon?

Back

The Last Quarter Moon is the phase where the opposite half of the moon is illuminated compared to the First Quarter.

Front

What is a lunar eclipse?

Back

A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth is directly between the sun and the moon, causing the Earth's shadow to cover the moon.

Front

What is a solar eclipse?

Back

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between Earth and the sun, blocking the sun's light.