Earth's Moon and it's Phases

Front

What phase do we consider to be the first phase, or #1?

Back

New Moon

Answer explanation

The New Moon is considered the first phase of the lunar cycle, marking the beginning when the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, making it invisible from Earth.

Front

Changes in the moon's appearance are

Back

phases

Answer explanation

The changes in the moon's appearance are known as phases. These phases occur as the moon orbits the Earth, leading to different portions of its surface being illuminated by the sun, resulting in the various shapes we observe.

Front

Where does the light that allows us to see the moon come from?

Back

sun

Answer explanation

The light that allows us to see the moon comes from the sun. The moon does not produce its own light; instead, it reflects sunlight, which is why we can see it shining in the night sky.

Front

The lit part of the moon when more than half is illuminated:

Back

Gibbous

Answer explanation

The term 'gibbous' refers to the phase of the moon when more than half of its surface is illuminated. In contrast, 'crescent' is less than half, 'quarter' is exactly half, and 'terminator' is the dividing line between light and dark.

Front

After the New Moon phase, "the light on the right grows _______."

Back

bright

Answer explanation

After the New Moon phase, the moon begins to wax, meaning the illuminated portion increases. Therefore, "the light on the right grows bright" as the moon transitions to the First Quarter phase.

Front

What phase?

Back

waxing gibbous

Answer explanation

The waxing gibbous phase occurs after the first quarter moon and before the full moon, when more than half of the moon is illuminated but not fully. This makes it the correct answer for the given question.

Front

What phase? Options: first quarter, new moon, second quarter, full

Back

first quarter

Answer explanation

The first quarter phase occurs when half of the Moon is illuminated and visible from Earth. It follows the new moon and precedes the full moon, making it the correct answer for the question about the Moon's phase.

Front

If the moon is fully illuminated it is said to be a ____________ moon.

Back

Full

Answer explanation

When the moon is fully illuminated, it is referred to as a 'Full' moon. This phase occurs when the Earth is between the sun and the moon, allowing the entire face of the moon to be lit up.

Front

Waxing

Back

light part of the moon growing (lit on the right)

Answer explanation

Waxing refers to the phase of the moon when the illuminated part is increasing, appearing lit on the right side. This is why the correct choice is 'light part of the moon growing (lit on the right)'. The other options describe different phases.

Front

As the moon's shape appears to get smaller, we say that the moon is _. Options: swelling, waxing, waning, disappearing

Back

waning

Answer explanation

As the moon's shape appears to get smaller, it is referred to as 'waning'. This term describes the phase when the visible portion of the moon decreases, contrasting with 'waxing', which indicates growth.