Moon Phases, Eclipses & Tides

Front

What is a gibbous moon?

Back

A gibbous moon is a phase of the moon where more than half of the moon's surface is illuminated by the sun.

Front

What is a crescent moon?

Back

A crescent moon is a phase of the moon where less than half of the moon's surface is illuminated by the sun.

Front

What moon phase comes after a waxing crescent?

Back

The moon phase that comes after a waxing crescent is a first quarter moon.

Front

What is a lunar eclipse?

Back

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the sun and the moon, causing the Earth's shadow to cover the moon.

Front

When does a lunar eclipse occur?

Back

A lunar eclipse can only occur during a full moon.

Front

What is a neap tide?

Back

A neap tide is a tide that occurs when the sun and moon are at a right angle relative to the Earth, resulting in the least difference between high and low tides.

Front

What is a spring tide?

Back

A spring tide is a tide that occurs when the sun, moon, and Earth are aligned, resulting in the greatest difference between high and low tides.

Front

What is the last quarter moon?

Back

The last quarter moon is a phase of the moon where half of the moon's surface is illuminated, and it is decreasing in illumination.

Front

What is the first quarter moon?

Back

The first quarter moon is a phase of the moon where half of the moon's surface is illuminated, and it is increasing in illumination.

Front

What is the difference between waxing and waning?

Back

Waxing refers to the moon phases where the illuminated part is increasing, while waning refers to the phases where the illuminated part is decreasing.