Moon Phases Amplify

Astronomers made two observations of the Moon that were several days apart. Their observations are shown in the diagram above. The light part of the Moon appeared to get larger over time. Why did this happen?

• Between the first observation and the second observation, the Moon moved so that the astronomers were able to see more of the half that faces the sun.

• Between the first observation and the second observation, the Moon rotated so that more of the light-colored rock on the Moon’s surface faced Earth.

• Between the first observation and the second observation, Earth moved so its shadow was blocking less of the Moon so the astronomers were able to see more of it.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

A student astronomer went outside and made two observations of the Moon that were several days apart. Her observations are shown in the diagram above. The light part of the Moon appeared to get smaller over time. Why did this happen?

• Between the first observation and the second observation, the Moon moved so that the student astronomer was able to see less of the half that faces the sun.

• Between the first observation and the second observation, the Moon rotated so that less of the light-colored rock on the Moon’s surface faced Earth.

• Between the first observation and the second observation, Earth moved so its shadow was blocking more of the Moon so the student astronomer was able to see less of it.

• Between the first observation and the second observation, the Moon moved farther away from the sun so less sunlight reached the Moon’s surface.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Omi stood outside her house and made two observations of the Moon that were several days apart. Her observations are shown in the diagram above. The light part of the Moon appeared to get larger over time. Why did this happen?

• Between the first observation and the second observation, the Moon moved so that Omi was able to see more of the half that faces the sun.

• Between the first observation and the second observation, the Moon moved closer to the sun so more sunlight reached the Moon’s surface.

• Between the first observation and the second observation, the Moon rotated so that more of the light-colored rock on the Moon’s surface faced Earth.

• Between the first observation and the second observation, Earth moved so its shadow was blocking less of the Moon so Omi was able to see more of it.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

the shape of the illuminated part of the Moon as it appears from Earth

• lunar eclipse

• moon phase

• orbit

• sun

• model

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Design an experiment to observe and record the phases of the Moon over a month. What materials would you need and what steps would you follow?

• Materials: Telescope, notebook, pen. Steps: Observe the Moon every night, record the date and phase, and compare the observations over a month.

• Materials: Microscope, notebook, pen. Steps: Observe the Moon every night, record the date and phase, and compare the observations over a month.

• Materials: Camera, notebook, pen. Steps: Observe the Moon every night, record the date and phase, and compare the observations over a month.

• Materials: Binoculars, notebook, pen. Steps: Observe the Moon every night, record the date and phase, and compare the observations over a month.

Tags

DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

4.9B

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

• New Moon

• Full Moon

• First Quarter

• Last Quarter

Answer explanation

The phase of the Moon when it is completely illuminated as seen from Earth is the Full Moon, making it the correct choice.

Tags

DOK Level 1: Recall

4.9B

Spring tides are most likely to occur during the (a)   phase of the Moon.

• New Moon

• First Quarter

• Full Moon

• Both A and C

Tags

112.26.b.9.B

The diagram to the left shows the relative positions of the Earth and Moon. What phase of the moon would be visible from Earth when the Earth and Moon are in these positions?

• Full moon

• Last quarter moon

• New moon

• First quarter moon

Tags

8.7B

Which phase of the Moon occurs when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun?

• Full Moon

• New Moon

• First Quarter

• Last Quarter

Answer explanation

The New Moon phase occurs when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, making it not visible from Earth.

Tags

DOK Level 1: Recall

4.9B

a moon phase where the illuminated portion of the Moon is not visible from the Earth

• new moon

• full moon

• gibbous moon

• waning

• waxing

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1