8th Grade STAAR - Moon Phases

Front

What is a waxing gibbous moon?

Back

A waxing gibbous moon is a phase of the moon that occurs after the first quarter and before a full moon, where more than half of the moon is illuminated.

Front

What type of tide occurs during a full moon or new moon?

Back

Spring tide occurs during a full moon or new moon when the gravitational forces of the moon and sun align, resulting in higher high tides and lower low tides.

Front

What is a new moon?

Back

A new moon is a phase of the moon when it is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, making it invisible from Earth.

Front

What are neap tides?

Back

Neap tides are the tides that occur during the first and third quarters of the moon when the gravitational forces of the moon and sun are perpendicular to each other, resulting in lower high tides and higher low tides.

Front

What is the significance of the moon's orbit in relation to its phases?

Back

The moon's orbit around the Earth causes different portions of its surface to be illuminated by the Sun, resulting in the various phases of the moon.

Front

How can you identify a waxing crescent moon?

Back

A waxing crescent moon is identified by a small sliver of illumination on the right side, occurring after the new moon phase.

Front

What is the difference between a waxing and waning moon?

Back

A waxing moon is increasing in illumination, while a waning moon is decreasing in illumination.

Front

What moon phases are visible during neap tides?

Back

The moon phases visible during neap tides are the first quarter and third quarter.

Front

What is a full moon?

Back

A full moon is a phase of the moon when it is fully illuminated as seen from Earth, occurring when the Earth is between the moon and the Sun.

Front

What is the order of the moon phases?

Back

The order of the moon phases is: New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, Waning Crescent.