Moon Phases and seasons

Front

What is a Waxing Crescent Moon?

Back

A Waxing Crescent Moon is the phase of the moon that occurs after the New Moon and before the First Quarter, where a small sliver of the moon is illuminated and visible from Earth.

Front

What date does the summer solstice occur?

Back

The summer solstice occurs on June 21st, marking the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.

Front

What is a First Quarter Moon?

Back

A First Quarter Moon is the phase of the moon where half of the moon is illuminated and visible from Earth, occurring about a week after the New Moon.

Front

What date does the winter solstice occur?

Back

The winter solstice occurs on December 21st, marking the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.

Front

Which seasons have equal daylight hours?

Back

Spring and Fall have approximately equal daylight hours due to the tilt of the Earth's axis.

Front

What is a Full Moon?

Back

A Full Moon is the phase of the moon when it is fully illuminated as seen from Earth, occurring about two weeks after the New Moon.

Front

What is a Waning Crescent Moon?

Back

A Waning Crescent Moon is the phase of the moon that occurs after the Last Quarter and before the New Moon, where a small sliver of the moon is illuminated and visible.

Front

What is the significance of the equinoxes?

Back

Equinoxes occur when day and night are approximately equal in length, happening in spring (around March 21) and fall (around September 23).

Front

What causes the different phases of the Moon?

Back

The different phases of the Moon are caused by the relative positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun, which affect how much of the Moon's surface is illuminated.

Front

What is the difference between a solar and lunar eclipse?

Back

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun's light. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon.