Moon and Its Phases

Front

What is the phase of the moon?

Back

The portion of the moon that we can see from Earth on any given night.

Front

How does the moon's phase change?

Back

As the moon orbits around the Earth, sunlight is reflected off the moon’s surface and that light reaches us on Earth. The phase depends on where the moon is in its orbit.

Front

How long does it take for the moon to orbit the Earth?

Back

About one month.

Front

Does the moon produce its own light?

Back

No, it only reflects light from the sun.

Front

Why do the moon and sun appear the same size from Earth?

Back

The sun is 400 times bigger than the moon, but they appear the same size due to an optical illusion because the moon is closer to Earth.

Front

What is a new moon?

Back

A phase when you cannot see the moon at all.

Front

What is a crescent moon?

Back

A thin sliver of light visible several days after a new moon.

Front

What is a quarter moon?

Back

A phase where half of the moon is illuminated.

Front

What is a gibbous moon?

Back

A phase where more than half of the moon is illuminated but not full.

Front

What is a full moon?

Back

When the whole side of the moon facing Earth is completely illuminated by the sun.