Moon Phases and Eclipses

Front

How many phases does the moon go through?

Back

The moon goes through 8 phases.

Front

What alignment is needed for an eclipse to occur?

Back

The Moon, Sun, and Earth must be lined up exactly.

Front

Why does the Moon appear to produce light?

Back

The Moon reflects light from the Sun.

Front

What is the phase of the moon during a solar eclipse?

Back

The phase of the moon during a solar eclipse is New Moon.

Front

Why can we predict the phases of the moon for future months?

Back

The Moon moves in a regular pattern in the sky.

Front

What are the names of the 8 moon phases?

Back

New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, Waning Crescent.

Front

What is a lunar eclipse?

Back

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Earth's shadow to cover the Moon.

Front

What is a solar eclipse?

Back

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon is between the Sun and the Earth, blocking the Sun's light.

Front

What is the difference between a total and partial eclipse?

Back

In a total eclipse, the Sun or Moon is completely obscured, while in a partial eclipse, only part of it is obscured.

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.