Lunar Mysteries: Phases and Eclipses

What is the term for the different shapes of the moon as seen from Earth?

• Eclipse

• Phase

• Cycle

• Revolution

Answer explanation

The term for the different shapes of the moon as seen from Earth is called 'Phase'. It refers to the changing appearance of the moon due to its position relative to the sun and Earth.

Which phase of the moon occurs when it is completely illuminated by the Sun, as seen from Earth?

• New Moon

• First Quarter

• Full Moon

• Waning Crescent

Answer explanation

The phase of the moon that occurs when it is completely illuminated by the Sun, as seen from Earth, is the Full Moon. It is when the entire face of the moon is visible and appears fully lit.

What is a solar eclipse?

• The moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking all or part of the Sun.

• The Earth passes between the Sun and the moon, casting a shadow on the moon.

• The moon's shadow falls on the Sun.

• The Sun passes behind the moon, making it invisible.

Answer explanation

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking all or part of the Sun.

During a lunar eclipse, what is the order of the celestial bodies?

• Sun, Moon, Earth

• Moon, Sun, Earth

• Sun, Earth, Moon

• Earth, Moon, Sun

Answer explanation

During a lunar eclipse, the order of the celestial bodies is Sun, Earth, Moon. The Moon passes through the Earth's shadow, causing the eclipse. The Sun is behind the Earth, casting the shadow on the Moon.

What is the dark, central part of a shadow where the light source is completely blocked called?

• Umbra

• Penumbra

• Antumbra

• Eclipse

Answer explanation

The dark, central part of a shadow where the light source is completely blocked is called the umbra.

What is the lighter part of a shadow where the light source is only partially blocked?

• Umbra

• Penumbra

• Antumbra

• Eclipse

Answer explanation

The lighter part of a shadow where the light source is only partially blocked is called the penumbra. It is the correct choice because it accurately describes the phenomenon.

Which type of eclipse occurs when the moon moves into the Earth's umbra?

• Partial Solar Eclipse

• Total Solar Eclipse

• Partial Lunar Eclipse

• Total Lunar Eclipse

Answer explanation

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the moon moves into the Earth's umbra, causing it to be completely covered and appear red.

What phase must the moon be in to have a solar eclipse?

• Full Moon

• New Moon

• First Quarter

• Last Quarter

Answer explanation

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon is in the New Moon phase, where it is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun's light. This aligns with the correct choice, New Moon.

What is the phenomenon called when the moon appears to cover the Sun completely during an eclipse?

• Totality

• Gibbous

• Crescent

• Syzygy

Answer explanation

During a solar eclipse, when the moon completely covers the Sun, it is called totality. This is the correct choice.

Which of the following is NOT a phase of the moon?

• Waxing Gibbous

• Waning Crescent

• Blue Moon

• Third Quarter

Answer explanation

Blue Moon is not a phase of the moon. It refers to the second full moon in a calendar month.