Moon Phases & Tides

Front

What are the phases of the Moon?

Back

The phases of the Moon are the different shapes of the Moon as seen from Earth, which include New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent.

Front

What is a Waxing Gibbous Moon?

Back

A Waxing Gibbous Moon is the phase of the Moon when it is more than half illuminated but not yet full. It occurs after the First Quarter and before the Full Moon.

Front

What is a Waning Crescent Moon?

Back

A Waning Crescent Moon is the phase of the Moon when it is less than half illuminated and decreasing in illumination. It occurs after the Last Quarter and before the New Moon.

Front

How long does it take for the Moon to complete one full rotation on its axis?

Back

It takes the Moon approximately one month to complete one full rotation on its axis.

Front

What causes tides on Earth?

Back

Tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun on Earth's oceans.

Front

How many high tides occur in a typical day?

Back

In a typical day, there are usually two high tides.

Front

What is the difference between a Spring Tide and a Neap Tide?

Back

Spring Tides occur when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are aligned, resulting in higher high tides and lower low tides. Neap Tides occur when the Sun and Moon are at right angles to each other, resulting in lower high tides and higher low tides.

Front

What is the duration of a tidal cycle?

Back

A tidal cycle lasts about 24 hours and 50 minutes, which is why tides occur approximately every 6 hours.

Front

What is the Full Moon phase?

Back

The Full Moon phase is when the entire face of the Moon is illuminated by the Sun, making it appear fully round.

Front

What is the Last Quarter Moon?

Back

The Last Quarter Moon is the phase when half of the Moon is illuminated and it is decreasing in illumination, occurring after the Full Moon.