Independent Practice: Moon Phases

What causes the changes in the Moon's appearance that we see from Earth?

• The Moon produces its own light that varies in intensity.

• Earth's shadow falls on different parts of the Moon.

• The Moon reflects different amounts of sunlight as it orbits Earth.

• The Sun's brightness changes throughout the month.

How long does it take for the Moon to go through all of its phases?

• It takes exactly 30 days for the Moon to complete all its phases.

• The Moon completes its phases in about 29.5 days.

• A full cycle of Moon phases takes one calendar month.

• The Moon's phases are completed in 38 days.

Explain why we see different amounts of the Moon's lit surface during its phases. Use information from the passage in your explanation.

A student has been observing and recording the Moon’s phases every week for two months. Their data is shown on the table.

The club wants to predict future Moon phases. Based on their observations, which statement BEST describes the sequence of changes in the Moon's appearance?

• 1. The Moon's phases change randomly with no predictable pattern.

• 1. The Moon always takes exactly 30 days to go from one New Moon to the next.

• 1. The Moon's phases follow a repeating cycle, progressing from New Moon to Full Moon and

     back.

• 1. The Moon only shows three distinct phases: New Moon, First Quarter, and Full Moon.

Look at the diagram showing the positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun.

Which position of the Moon would result in a full moon as seen from Earth?

• Position 2

• Position 4

• Position 5

• Position 8

Which phase of the Moon is observed halfway through the lunar cycle, and what distinguishes it from the other phases in terms of illumination?

• New Moon; it has no visible illumination

• First Quarter; it is half-illuminated on the right side

• Full Moon; it is fully illuminated

• Third Quarter; it is half-illuminated on the left side

You are planning to observe the sky in two weeks, and today you see the Moon in the first quarter phase. Which phase will you most likely observe then?

• Full moon
  

• Last quarter moon

• New moon

• Another first quarter moon

You notice that tonight the Moon is in its first quarter phase. What phase should you expect after about one week?

• New moon

• Full moon

• Last quarter moon

• First quarter moon

You observe a full moon in the sky tonight. Which phase will most likely come

next in about a week?

• New moon

• Last quarter moon

• First quarter moon

• Full moon

If you observe a new moon today, what phase would you expect to see in approximately one

week, and what changes in appearance will occur?