Moon Phases & Tides

Front

What causes us to see only one side of the Moon?

Back

The Moon rotates and revolves around Earth in the same length of time.

Front

What is the Full Moon phase?

Back

The phase of the Moon when it is fully illuminated and appears as a complete circle.

Front

What are tides?

Back

The regular rise and fall of ocean levels caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun.

Front

How many tides occur in a 24-hour period?

Back

There are typically 4 tides in a 24-hour period.

Front

What does 'waxing' mean in relation to the Moon?

Back

Waxing means getting bigger and brighter.

Front

What is a New Moon?

Back

The phase of the Moon when it is not visible from Earth.

Front

What is a First Quarter Moon?

Back

The phase of the Moon when half of it is illuminated and visible from Earth.

Front

What is a Last Quarter Moon?

Back

The phase of the Moon when the opposite half of the Moon is illuminated compared to the First Quarter.

Front

What is the role of the Sun in tides?

Back

The Sun's gravitational pull also affects tides, but to a lesser extent than the Moon.

Front

What is the difference between spring tides and neap tides?

Back

Spring tides occur during full and new moons when the tidal range is greatest; neap tides occur during the first and last quarters when the tidal range is smallest.