Moon & Its Phases

Front

What is the Moon?

Back

The Moon is a natural satellite that orbits the Earth.

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 the Earth, including new moon, crescent, first quarter, gibbous, and full moon.

Front

What causes the Moon's phases?

Back

The Moon's phases are caused by the changing angles of sunlight as the Moon orbits the Earth.

Front

What is a new moon?

Back

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

Front

What is a full moon?

Back

A full moon occurs when the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon, and the entire face of the Moon is illuminated.

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 crescent moon?

Back

A crescent moon is when less than half of the Moon is illuminated and appears as a thin sliver.

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 tides?

Back

Tides are the rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun.

Front

How does the Moon affect tides?

Back

The Moon's gravitational pull causes the water in the oceans to bulge, creating high and low tides.