Moon Phases and Tides

When the full surface of the moon is visible and facing the sun

When half the moon is visible.

When a sliver of the moon is visible

When a large portion of the moon is lit and only a sliver is dark.

When the lit part of the moon is getting smaller. (waning crescent, waning gibbous)

When the lit part of the moon is getting larger. (ex: waxing crescent, waxing gibbous)

The moon blocks the sun by moving between the Earth and Sun. (Earth - Moon - Sun)

When the shadow of the earth is cast on the moon while the earth is between the sun and moon. (Moon - Earth - Sun)

Extreme high and low tides caused when the sun and moon are lined up and pulling on earth's waters creating large 'bulges'.

Less extreme tides when the Sun and moon are not lined up with the earth.