EarthandMoonandSun

True or False?

The Moon rotates on its axis.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Yes! The time it takes for the Moon to rotate once on its axis is equal to the time it takes for the Moon to orbit once around Earth. Thanks to this synchronous rotation, the same side of the Moon always faces our planet.

If the Moon did not rotate on its axis at all, or if it rotated at any other rate, then we would see different parts of the Moon throughout the month.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Which term is used to describe all things related to the Moon?

• solar

• lunar

• polar

Answer explanation

The Moon derives its name for the Latin word for all things moon-related - "Luna." We describe anything related to the Moon as "lunar."

Our Moon shares a name with all moons simply because people didn't know other moons existed until Galileo Galilei discovered four moons orbiting Jupiter in 1610.

Are the Moon phases the same everywhere on Earth?

• No, not everyone sees the same phases of the Moon.

• Yes, everyone sees the same phases of the Moon regardless of their physical location on Earth.

• The Moon's phases change in a vertical direction (from top to bottom, then bottom to top) in the Eastern Hemisphere.

Answer explanation

Yes, everyone sees the same phases of the Moon. People north and south of the equator do see the Moon’s current phase from different angles, though.

If you traveled to the Southern Hemisphere, the Moon would be in the same phase as it is at home, but it would appear upside down compared to what you're used to at home in the Northern Hemisphere! For example, on October 18, 2024, the Moon was in a waning gibbous phase. Take a look!

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

True or False?

The Moon's phases are caused by shadows cast by Earth.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

False. The only time Earth’s shadow affects our view of the Moon is during a lunar eclipse. Generally, one half of the Moon ― the side facing the Sun ― is brightly illuminated, and one is in shadow. We use moon phases to describe the way our perspective on the half-lit Moon changes as Earth and Moon move through space over the course of a month. During a crescent moon, for example, the part of the Moon that faces Earth is mostly in shadow, and the far side of the Moon is mostly sunlit. The visible crescent is the only part of the lunar nearside that is experiencing daytime.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

We see the Moon's phases because the Moon is always half-lit by the ​ (a)   , except during a lunar ​ (b)   . The side of the Moon facing the Sun appears bright because of ​ (c)   sunlight, and the side of the Moon facing away from the Sun is ​ (d)   . Our perspective on the half-lit Moon changes as the Moon ​ (e)   Earth.

• sun
• eclipse
• reflected
• dark
• orbits
• Earth
• meteor shower
• absorbed
• sketchy
• nears

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Match the Moon's characteristic or status to the correct term.

• Perigean Full Moon

• The far side of the Moon is fully lite, and the near side is dark.

• Apogee

• Commonly known as a "Supermoon," this is the technical term preferred by astronomers.

• New Moon

• The Moon is farthest from Earth in its orbit.

• Full Moon

• The Moon is closest to the Earth in its orbit.

• Perigee

• The side of the Moon nearest to Earth is fully lit.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Correctly label the Moon Phases on this diagram.

e

f

g

h

d

c

b

a

Waning Gibbous

Full Moon

Waning Crescent

Waxing Crescent

Waxing Gibbous

New Moon

First Quarter

Third Quarter

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Select all surface features found on the Earth's Moon.

• mountains

• craters

• streams

• valleys

Answer explanation

The leading theory is that a Mars-sized object collided with Earth billions of years ago, and debris from this collision eventually formed the Moon. Here is an animation that shows what this might have looked like:

Also, check out this article from NASA:

"Why Does the Moon Have Craters?" https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/craters/en/

The Sun is the only _________ in our solar system, and the Moon is Earth's _____________.

• natural satellite; star

• star; natural satellite

• natural satellite; planet

• star; rotation

Answer explanation

The Moon is a natural satellite, or a space object that orbits around something else. Our Moon is Earth’s natural satellite. In general, a moon is a natural satellite of a planet, and a planet is a special kind of natural satellite that orbits a star and also meets other conditions. Learn more: What makes a planet a planet?

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Thinking about the Moon's phases, select the best answer.

• The Moon's cycle of phases takes about 27.32 days.

• There are 10 distinct Moon phases.

• Less than half of the Moon is visible in the gibbous phase.

• The Moon's complete phase cycle takes 8 days.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1