Phases of the Moon

A “phase” of the moon refers to:

• the different shapes of the moon visible from Earth during its orbit

• the distance between the Earth and the moon

• the time it takes for the moon to orbit the Earth

• the color changes of the moon throughout the year

Answer explanation

A "phase" of the moon refers to the different shapes of the moon visible from Earth during its orbit, caused by the varying angles of sunlight illuminating the moon's surface.

The moon appears to be different sizes because:

• of its changing position relative to Earth and the Sun.

• it actually changes size every month.

• clouds make it look bigger or smaller.

• the Earth's shadow covers it completely.

Answer explanation

The moon's apparent size changes due to its varying distance from Earth as it orbits, influenced by its position relative to the Earth and the Sun, making it appear larger or smaller at different times.

The two phases during which the moon appears almost full, but not quite, are:

• Waxing Gibbous and Waning Gibbous

• First Quarter and Last Quarter

• New Moon and Full Moon

• Waxing Crescent and Waning Crescent

Answer explanation

The Waxing Gibbous phase occurs just before a full moon, while the Waning Gibbous phase follows it. Both phases show the moon nearly full, making them the correct choices for this question.

Match the following

• Waxing Gibbous

• 
• Waxing Crescent

• 
• Waning Gibbous

• 
• Waning Crescent

• 

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

The two phases during which the moon appears as only a tiny sliver are:

• Waxing Crescent and Waning Crescent

• Full Moon and New Moon

• First Quarter and Last Quarter

• Waxing Gibbous and Waning Gibbous

Answer explanation

The moon appears as a tiny sliver during the Waxing Crescent phase as it grows from new to full, and during the Waning Crescent phase as it shrinks from full to new. Thus, the correct answer is Waxing Crescent and Waning Crescent.

My favorite phase of the moon is:

Answer explanation

The favorite phase of the moon often refers to the full moon, known for its brightness and beauty, making it a popular choice among many people.