Science Moon Test

Moon Phases

The various stages the Moon appears to take as it orbits Earth, which include new moon, crescent, first quarter, gibbous, and full moon.

Rotation

The spinning of the Moon on its axis, which takes approximately 27.3 days and is responsible for the same side always facing Earth.

Revolution

The orbiting of the Moon around Earth, taking about 27.3 days to complete one full cycle.

Lunar calendar

A calendar that is based on the phases of the Moon, typically consisting of 12 lunar months in a year.

Moon’s Orbit - 5 degree tilt

The tilt of the Moon's orbit relative to Earth's orbital plane, which is about 5 degrees. This tilt affects the visibility of lunar phases from Earth.

Solar Eclipse

An event that occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking all or part of the Sun's light.

Lunar Eclipse

An astronomical event that occurs when the Earth is positioned directly between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Earth's shadow to cast on the Moon.

Earth’s Atmosphere

The layer of gases surrounding Earth, essential for life, providing oxygen and protection from harmful solar radiation.

Umbra

The darkest part of a shadow during an eclipse, where all direct light from the source is blocked.

Penumbra

The outer part of a shadow cast by an opaque object, where light is partially obscured.

Waxing

referring to the period when the visible surface of the Moon is increasing, progressing from new Moon to full Moon.

Waning

The phase of the moon where the visible illuminated portion is decreasing after a full moon.

Gibbous

Describing the moon phase when more than half, but not all, of the moon's surface is illuminated.

Crescent

A moon phase where less than half of the Moon is illuminated, visible as a slender crescent shape.

New Moon

The phase of the moon when it is completely dark, as the illuminated side is facing away from the Earth.

Full Moon

The phase of the moon when its entire face is illuminated, appearing as a complete circular shape.

First Quarter Moon

The phase of the moon where half of the Moon is illuminated and visible from Earth, occurring after the New Moon and before the Full Moon.

Third Quarter Moon

The phase of the moon where the opposite half is illuminated compared to the First Quarter, occurring after the Full Moon.

Ray

A phase of the moon when it is half illuminated, occurring after the Full Moon.

Crater

A bowl-shaped depression on the surface of the Moon formed by the impact of meteoroids or other celestial bodies.

Maria

Large, dark, basaltic plains on the Moon's surface, formed by ancient volcanic eruptions.

Meteoriod

A small rocky or metallic body in outer space that can enter the Earth's atmosphere and become a meteor.