Moon Phases

Front

What is the cycle of moon phases?

Back

The cycle of moon phases is the sequence of changes in the appearance of the moon as it orbits Earth, lasting about 29 days.

Front

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

Back

About 29 days.

Front

What causes the moon phases?

Back

The moon phases are caused by the moon's movement around Earth, which changes the way sunlight reflects off the moon's surface.

Front

What are the main phases of the moon?

Back

The main phases of the moon are New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent.

Front

What is a New Moon?

Back

A New Moon is the phase when the moon is between Earth and the sun, and its illuminated side is facing away from Earth.

Front

What is a Full Moon?

Back

A Full Moon is the phase when the entire face of the moon is illuminated by the sun, making it fully visible from Earth.

Front

What does it mean when the moon is waxing?

Back

When the moon is waxing, it means that the visible portion of the moon is increasing, moving from New Moon to Full Moon.

Front

What does it mean when the moon is waning?

Back

When the moon is waning, it means that the visible portion of the moon is decreasing, moving from Full Moon to New Moon.

Front

What is the term for the moon's path around Earth?

Back

The term for the moon's path around Earth is 'revolution'.

Front

How does the position of the moon affect its phases?

Back

The position of the moon relative to Earth and the sun determines which part of the moon is illuminated, creating different phases.