Earth, Moon, and Sun

What causes the Moon’s phases?

The Moon's position relative to Earth and Sun

How long does a complete Moon phase cycle take?

29.5 days

Why does the Moon shine at night?

It reflects sunlight

What phase occurs when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun?

New Moon

What is the phase where more than half but not all of the Moon is lit?

Gibbous Moon

What does "waxing" mean in Moon phases?

The Moon is getting larger

What does "waning" mean in Moon phases?

The Moon is getting smaller.

When the Moon is half-lit and increasing, what phase is it in?

First Quarter

What phase follows the Waxing Crescent?

First Quarter

During which phase is the entire lit side of the Moon visible from Earth?

Full Moon

What is the correct order of the Moon phases starting from the New Moon?

New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon

What is the phase where less than half of the Moon is lit?

Crescent

What happens during a solar eclipse?

The Moon blocks the Sun from Earth's view

What happens during a lunar eclipse?

The Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon

Eclipses occur when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align in a specific way. Based on this, which of the following best describes the frequency of eclipses?

Only a few times a year, when precise alignment conditions are met

Why do we always see the same side of the Moon?

The Moon’s rotation matches its orbit around Earth

What can students use to model Moon phases in a classroom?

A flashlight and a ball

What causes ocean tides?

The Moon’s gravity

During which phases do spring tides occur?

New Moon and Full Moon

Which Moon phase is best for observing the most detail on the Moon’s surface?

First Quarter

Which of the following methods provides the most effective way to analyze the gradual changes in the Moon’s appearance over its 29.5-day cycle?

Maintaining a detailed Moon journal with nightly sketches and observations