Phases of the Moon and Eclipses

Continuation of Phys. Sci. Q2 P4

New Moon

Moon is between Earth and Sun; we see nothing. Day 0

Waxing Crescent

A thin slice of light on the right side. Day 1-6

First Quarter

The right half is lit, left half dark. Day 7

Waxing Gibbous

More than half lit, almost full. Day 8-13

Full Moon

Whole face is bright. Day 14-15

Waning Gibbous

Light starts shrinking on the left side. Day 16-21

Last (Third) Quarter

Left half lit, right half dark. Day 22

Waning Crescent

Thin slice on left side. Day 23-28

Partial Eclipse Begins

Moon starts to move in front of the sun, covering part of it.

Total Eclipse Begins

Moon completely covers the sun. The sun’s corona becomes visible

Maximum Eclipse

Moon is closest to the center of the sun’s disk; peak of the eclipse

Total Eclipse Ends

Sun begins to reappear.

End of Partial Eclipse

Moon moves away completely from the sun’s disk

Top right to bottom left

During a solar eclipse what direction does the moon go

Penumbral Eclipse Begins

Moon starts to enter the penumbra (outer shadow); shading is very faint, often hard to notice

Partial Eclipse Begins

Moon starts to enter the umbra (dark central shadow; looks like a bite is taken out

Total Eclipse Begins

The entire moon is inside the umbra; moon often turns red or copper-colored

Maximum Eclipse

Midpoint of the eclipse, when the moon is deepest inside the umbra; darkest and most colorful stage

Total Eclipse Ends

Moon starts to leave the umbra; bright light begins to reappear

Partial Eclipse Ends

Moon is almost out of the umbra, with just a small dark section left

Penumbral Eclipse Ends

Moon completely leaves the penumbra; it looks normal again

Bottom left to top right

During a lunar eclipse what direction does the shadow casted on the moon go