Moon Phases

Front

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, crescent, first quarter, gibbous, and full moon.

Front

What does 'waning' mean in relation to the moon?

Back

Waning refers to the period when the moon's visible shape is decreasing in size.

Front

What does 'waxing' mean in relation to the moon?

Back

Waxing refers to the period when the moon's visible shape is increasing in size.

Front

What is the rotation of the Earth?

Back

Rotation is the spinning of the Earth on its axis, which causes day and night.

Front

What is the source of the moon's light?

Back

The moon's light comes from the sun, which reflects off the moon's surface.

Front

What causes the phases of the moon?

Back

The phases of the moon are caused by the moon's movement around Earth and the changing angle of sunlight.

Front

What is the difference between rotation and revolution?

Back

Rotation is the spinning of an object on its axis, while revolution is the movement of one object around another.

Front

What is a new moon?

Back

A new moon is the phase when the moon is between the Earth and the sun, and its illuminated side is facing away from Earth.

Front

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 crescent moon?

Back

A crescent moon is a phase where less than half of the moon is illuminated, appearing as a thin sliver.