Phases of the Moon

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What are the phases of the Moon?

Back

The phases of the Moon are the different shapes the Moon appears to take as it orbits Earth, including New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent.

Front

What is a New Moon?

Back

A New Moon is the phase when the Moon is between Earth and the Sun, and its illuminated side is facing away from Earth, making it invisible to us.

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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 that occurs after the Full Moon, where the visible part of the Moon decreases, appearing as a thin crescent.

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What is a First Quarter Moon?

Back

A First Quarter Moon is the phase where half of the Moon's surface is illuminated, and it appears as a half-circle.

Front

What causes the phases of the Moon?

Back

The phases of the Moon are caused by the changing angles of sunlight hitting the Moon as it orbits Earth.

Front

Why does the same side of the Moon always face Earth?

Back

The same side of the Moon always faces Earth because the Moon takes the same amount of time to rotate on its axis as it does to orbit Earth.

Front

What is a shadow?

Back

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

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Why is it more difficult to see in a dark room?

Back

It is more difficult to see in a dark room because less light reflects off surfaces, making it harder for our eyes to detect objects.

Front

What is a Waxing Gibbous Moon?

Back

A Waxing Gibbous Moon is the phase that occurs after the First Quarter, where more than half of the Moon is illuminated but it is not yet a Full Moon.