Moon Phases Flashcard practice

Front

What is the 1st quarter moon phase?

Back

The 1st quarter moon phase is when the right half of the moon is illuminated and visible from Earth.

Front

What does waning mean in relation to the moon?

Back

Waning means that the moon appears to shrink in size.

Front

What is a full moon?

Back

A full moon occurs when the entire face of the moon is illuminated by the sun, making it fully visible from Earth.

Front

What is a new moon?

Back

A new moon occurs when the moon is between the Earth and the sun, and its illuminated side is facing away from Earth, making it invisible.

Front

What is the waxing phase of the moon?

Back

The waxing phase is when the visible portion of the moon is increasing, moving from new moon to full moon.

Front

What is the waning phase of the moon?

Back

The waning phase is when the visible portion of the moon is decreasing, moving from full moon to new moon.

Front

What is a gibbous moon?

Back

A gibbous moon is when more than half of the moon is illuminated but it is not yet full.

Front

What is the difference between waxing gibbous and waning gibbous?

Back

Waxing gibbous is when the moon is growing towards full, while waning gibbous is when it is shrinking after full.

Front

What is the 3rd quarter moon phase?

Back

The 3rd quarter moon phase is when the left half of the moon is illuminated and visible from Earth.

Front

How do the positions of the Earth, moon, and sun affect moon phases?

Back

The relative positions of the Earth, moon, and sun determine which part of the moon is illuminated and visible from Earth.