Phases of the Moon

Front

What causes the different phases of the moon?

Back

The phases of the moon are caused by the moon reflecting sunlight and the different amounts of the lit side we see as it orbits Earth.

Front

How many main phases of the moon are there?

Back

There are eight main phases of the moon.

Front

List the eight main phases of the moon.

Back

New moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, third quarter, and waning crescent.

Front

What is a lunar eclipse and how does it occur?

Back

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes between the sun and the moon, causing Earth's shadow to fall on the moon.

Front

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

Back

The same side of the moon always faces the Earth because the moon rotates on its axis at the same rate that it orbits Earth, a phenomenon called synchronous rotation.

Front

How long does it take for the moon to complete one full cycle of phases?

Back

It takes about 29.5 days for the moon to complete one full cycle of phases, known as a lunar month.