Moon Phases and Eclipses

Front

What is a waxing gibbous moon?

Back

A waxing gibbous moon is a phase of the moon that occurs after the first quarter and before the full moon, where more than half of the moon is illuminated but not yet fully visible.

Front

What happens to moonlight during waning phases?

Back

Moonlight decreases during waning phases, which occur after the full moon as the visible portion of the moon decreases.

Front

What is a lunar eclipse?

Back

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth moves between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Earth's shadow to fall on the Moon.

Front

What is the Last Quarter moon phase?

Back

The Last Quarter moon phase is when half of the moon is illuminated and is the phase that occurs after the full moon.

Front

What is a solar eclipse?

Back

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun's light from reaching the Earth.

Front

What is the New Moon phase?

Back

The New Moon phase is when the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, and its illuminated side is facing away from the Earth, making it invisible.

Front

What is the difference between waxing and waning?

Back

Waxing refers to the moon phases where the visible illumination is increasing, while waning refers to the phases where the illumination is decreasing.

Front

What is a full moon?

Back

A full moon occurs when the entire face of the Moon is illuminated by the Sun, making it fully visible from Earth.

Front

What is the significance of the First Quarter moon?

Back

The First Quarter moon is significant as it marks the halfway point between the New Moon and Full Moon, with half of the Moon's surface illuminated.

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.