Moon Phases and Eclipses

Front

What is the waxing crescent moon phase?

Back

The waxing crescent is the phase of the moon where less than half of the moon is illuminated, and it is increasing in illumination. It occurs after the new moon.

Front

What alignment is needed for an eclipse to occur?

Back

The Moon, Sun, and Earth must be lined up exactly for an eclipse to occur.

Front

What is the waning gibbous moon phase?

Back

The waning gibbous is the phase of the moon where more than half of the moon is illuminated, but it is decreasing in illumination. It occurs after the full moon.

Front

When does a solar eclipse occur?

Back

A solar eclipse occurs only during a new moon when the moon is directly between the Earth and the Sun.

Front

What is the last quarter moon phase?

Back

The last quarter (or third quarter) moon phase is when half of the moon is illuminated and it is decreasing in illumination. It occurs after the full moon.

Front

What is a new moon?

Back

A new moon is the phase of the moon when it is not visible from Earth because the illuminated side is facing away from us.

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 when the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon.

Front

What is the difference between waxing and waning?

Back

Waxing refers to the moon phases where the illuminated part is increasing, while waning refers to the phases where the illuminated part is decreasing.

Front

What is a lunar eclipse?

Back

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is directly between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Earth's shadow to cover the Moon.

Front

What are the two types of solar eclipses?

Back

The two types of solar eclipses are total solar eclipse, where the Sun is completely covered, and partial solar eclipse, where only part of the Sun is obscured.