Moon Phases and Tides

Front

What is a New Moon?

Back

A New Moon is the phase of the moon when it is not visible from Earth because it is between the Earth and the Sun.

Front

What is a First Quarter Moon?

Back

A First Quarter Moon is the phase of the moon when half of it is illuminated and visible from Earth, occurring about a week after the New Moon.

Front

What is a Full Moon?

Back

A Full Moon is the phase of the moon when it is fully illuminated and visible from Earth, occurring about two weeks after the New Moon.

Front

How long does it take the moon to orbit the Earth?

Back

It takes about 29 days for the moon to complete one orbit around the Earth.

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

What is a high tide?

Back

A high tide is when the water level in the ocean rises to its highest point due to the gravitational pull of the moon.

Front

What is a low tide?

Back

A low tide is when the water level in the ocean falls to its lowest point, occurring between high tides.

Front

How many phases does the moon go through in a lunar cycle?

Back

The moon goes through eight distinct phases in a lunar cycle.

Front

What are the names of the eight moon phases?

Back

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

Front

What is the Waxing Gibbous phase?

Back

The Waxing Gibbous phase is when more than half of the moon is illuminated and is growing towards a Full Moon.