Lunar Cycle

What moon phase is occurring when the earth is between the moon and sun?

• new moon

• full moon

• waxing gibbous

• waxing crescent

The light part of the moon appeared to get larger over time. Why did this happen?

• The moon rotated so that more of the light-colored rock faced the Earth

• The moon moved closer to the sun

• The moon moved so you were able to see more of the half that faces the sun

• Earth moved so its shadow was blocking less of the moon

What does gibbous mean?

• Light appears to get BIGGER

• Light appears to get SMALLER

• LESS than half is lit

• MORE than half is lit

How many moon phases are there in the lunar cycle?

• 6

• 8

• 10

• 12

Which moon phase comes before a new moon? (see picture)

• waning crescent

• waxing crescent

• third quarter

• first quarter

Which moon phase is pictured?

• waxing gibbous

• waxing crescent

• waning gibbous

• waning crescent

Why does the moon look different each night?

• the moon orbits the earth so it is in a different spot each night

• the earth orbits the moon so it is in a different spot each night

What does waning mean?

• Light appears to get BIGGER

• Light appears to get SMALLER

• LESS than half is lit

• MORE than half is lit

What two moon phases occur when the earth, moon, and sun are all aligned?

• new moon + full moon

• first quarter + third quarter

• waxing crescent + waxing gibbous

• waning crescent + waning gibbous

What direction does the moon orbit the earth?

• clockwise

• counter-clockwise