Moon Phases

Front

What is the term for when the lit up part of the moon is growing?

Back

Waxing

Front

What is the term for when the lit up part of the moon is shrinking?

Back

Waning

Front

What causes the different moon phases?

Back

As the moon revolves around the Earth, we see different amounts of the lit up portion depending on where it is in its orbit.

Front

What do we call the moon phase when the light is on the left?

Back

Waning

Front

What is a crescent moon?

Back

A crescent moon is when less than half of the moon is illuminated.

Front

What is a gibbous moon?

Back

A gibbous moon is when more than half of the moon is illuminated.

Front

What is a full moon?

Back

A full moon occurs when the entire face of the moon is illuminated by the sun.

Front

What is a new moon?

Back

A new moon occurs when the moon is between the Earth and the sun, and the illuminated side is facing away from Earth.

Front

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

Back

About 29.5 days.

Front

What is the term for the moon phase that occurs when the moon is fully illuminated?

Back

Full Moon