Understanding Moon Phases Quiz

What is the name of the phase when the Moon is completely illuminated as seen from Earth?

• New Moon

• Full Moon

• First Quarter

• Last Quarter

How many primary phases are there in the lunar cycle?

• 2

• 4

• 6

• 8

What is the approximate duration, in days, of one complete lunar cycle (from New Moon to New Moon)?

• 7 days

• 14 days

• 29.5 days

• 365 days

Which phase comes directly after the Waxing Crescent in the lunar cycle?

• Full Moon

• First Quarter

• Waning Crescent

• Last Quarter

During which lunar phase is the Moon positioned between the Earth and the Sun?

• Full Moon

• New Moon

• First Quarter

• Waning Gibbous

If you observe a Waxing Gibbous Moon, which phase will occur next in the lunar cycle?

• Full Moon

• New Moon

• First Quarter

• Waning Crescent

Explain why the same side of the Moon always faces the Earth during the lunar cycle.

• The Moon rotates faster than it orbits Earth

• The Moon does not rotate at all

• The Moon's rotation period matches its orbital period around Earth

• The Earth's gravity stops the Moon from rotating

Which of the following best describes the difference between waxing and waning phases of the Moon?

• Waxing means the Moon is getting smaller; waning means it is getting larger

• Waxing means the illuminated portion is increasing; waning means it is decreasing

• Waxing and waning both mean the Moon is getting larger

• Waxing and waning both mean the Moon is getting smaller

A scientist wants to predict the date of the next Full Moon after observing a New Moon on January 1st. What reasoning should they use to estimate the date?

• Add 7 days to January 1st

• Add 14-15 days to January 1st

• Add 29.5 days to January 1st

• Subtract 7 days from January 1st

Suppose you observe a Last Quarter Moon tonight. Using your understanding of the lunar cycle, which phase will you observe approximately one week later, and what evidence supports your answer?

• New Moon, because the lunar cycle progresses from Last Quarter to New Moon in about a week

• Full Moon, because the cycle reverses after Last Quarter

• First Quarter, because the phases repeat every week

• Waxing Crescent, because it follows Last Quarter