Understanding Lunar Phases

Movements of the Moon

Movement of the Moon

• The Moon's rotation and revolution take the same amount of time.

• We always see the same side of the Moon

• Eclipse

  • One celestial body passes through the shadow of another

Passing of Moon between Earth and Sun

Shadow of Moon falls on Earth

Solar Eclipse

Passing of Moon through Earth's shadow at full moon

Lunar Eclipse

Phases of the Moon

• Phase

  • Change in illuminated area of one celestial body

• Waxing

  • When lighted part of Moon is increasing

• Waning

  • When lighted part of Moon is decreasing

New Moon

Waxing Crescent

First Quarter

Waxing Gibbous

Full Moon

Waning Gibbous

Third Quarter

Waning Crescent