Phases of the Moon

Front

What are the phases of the Moon?

Back

The phases of the Moon are the different shapes of the Moon we see from Earth, which change as the Moon orbits around the Earth.

Front

What is a New Moon?

Back

A New Moon is the phase when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, and we cannot see it 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 is a Waning Crescent Moon?

Back

A Waning Crescent Moon is the phase after the Full Moon when the visible part of the Moon is decreasing and appears as a thin crescent.

Front

What does it mean to reflect light?

Back

To reflect light means that light bounces off a surface, like how the Moon reflects sunlight.

Front

Why do we see different phases of the Moon?

Back

We see different phases of the Moon because of its position relative to the Earth and the Sun, which changes how much of the Moon's surface is illuminated.

Front

What is a shadow?

Back

A shadow is created when an object blocks light from reaching a surface.

Front

What is the First Quarter Moon?

Back

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

Front

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

Back

It takes about 29.5 days for the Moon to complete one full cycle of phases.

Front

What is the difference between a waxing and waning Moon?

Back

A waxing Moon is when the visible part of the Moon is increasing, while a waning Moon is when it is decreasing.