Moon Phases and Eclipses

Flashcards reviewing key concepts about moon phases, eclipses, and tides.

Why is the full moon bright?

The full moon is bright because it reflects sunlight.

How does the sun make light?

The sun produces light through nuclear fusion.

What causes the phases of the moon?

The phases of the moon are caused by the changing angles at which we see the moon's illuminated surface.

What does 'waxing' mean in the context of moon phases?

Waxing means that more of the moon's surface is becoming visible.

What does 'waning' mean in the context of moon phases?

Waning means that less of the moon's surface is becoming visible.

Is the full moon ever visible during the day?

The full moon is typically not visible during the day.

Why does the moon move through our night sky?

The moon moves through our night sky because of Earth's rotation and the moon's orbit around the Earth.

Approximately how many hours is the moon visible each day?

The moon is visible for approximately 12 hours each day.

What kind of object is the moon?

The moon is a natural satellite of Earth.

What is the shape of the moon's orbit?

The moon's orbit is an ellipse.

How long is it between full moons?

It takes between 29-30 days between full moons.

What is an eclipse?

An eclipse is when the light from one celestial object is blocked by passing into the shadow of another object.

What is a solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse is when the moon blocks light from the sun.

What is a lunar eclipse?

A lunar eclipse is when Earth blocks light from the sun, casting a shadow on the moon.

What is the umbra during an eclipse?

The umbra is the portion of the Earth in complete shadow during an eclipse, causing a total eclipse.

What is the penumbra during an eclipse?

The penumbra is the portion of the Earth in partial shadow (partial eclipse).

What phase must the moon be in for a solar eclipse?

The moon must be in the New Moon phase for a solar eclipse to occur.

What phase must the Moon be in for a lunar eclipse?

The Moon must be in the Full Moon phase for a lunar eclipse to occur.

Why don't we have solar and lunar eclipses every month?

We don't have solar and lunar eclipses every month because the Earth, Moon, and Sun are not on the same plane of orbit. The Moon's orbit is inclined.

What are tides?

Tides are the cyclic movement of bodies of water on Earth’s surface (the hydrosphere).

What celestial bodies control the tides?

The tides are controlled by the gravitational pull of the Sun and the Moon.

Where are the highest tidal changes in the world?

The Bay of Fundy has the highest tidal changes in the world.

Which tide (Spring or Neap) creates the greatest difference between high and low tides?

Spring tides create the greatest difference between high and low tides.

Are tides cyclical?

Yes, tides are cyclical.

What alignment causes Neap Tides?

Moon and Sun are at right angles to Earth

What alignment causes Spring Tides?

Moon and Sun are in line with theEarth