Moon Phases Review

Moon Phases

The various stages the Moon goes through as it orbits Earth, including new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter.

Rotation

of the Moon on its axis, which takes approximately 27.3 days and causes the same side to always face Earth.

Revolution

The movement of the Moon around the Earth, which takes about 29.5 days and is responsible for the changing phases of the Moon.

Lunar calendar

A calendar based on the phases of the Moon, consisting of 12 lunar months, typically used in many cultures for timing events and festivals.

Moon’s Orbit - 5 degree tilt

The slightly tilted path the Moon takes around the Earth, affecting its phases and eclipses.

Solar Eclipse

A phenomenon that occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun's light either partially or completely.

Lunar Eclipse

A phenomenon that occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Earth's shadow to fall on the Moon.

Earth’s Atmosphere

The layer of gases surrounding the Earth, essential for life and influencing weather and climate.

Umbra

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

Penumbra

The outer part of a shadow during an eclipse, where the light source is partially obscured, creating a gradient of light and darkness.

Waxing

Refers to the phase of the Moon where it appears to grow larger, transitioning from new Moon to full Moon.

Waning

Refers to the phase of the Moon where it appears to decrease in size, transitioning from full Moon to new Moon.

Gibbous

Refers to the phase of the Moon where it appears more than half illuminated but not fully lit, occurring before the full Moon during both waxing and waning phases.

Crescent

Refers to the phase of the Moon where it appears less than half illuminated, occurring before the first quarter and after the last quarter.

New Moon

The phase of the Moon when it is between the Earth and the Sun, resulting in no visible illumination from Earth. It marks the beginning of the lunar cycle.

Full Moon

The phase of the Moon when it is fully illuminated as seen from Earth, occurring when the Earth is directly between the Sun and the Moon.

First Quarter Moon

The phase of the Moon when half of it is illuminated and visible from Earth, occurring a week after the New Moon.

Third Quarter Moon

The phase of the Moon when the opposite half is illuminated compared to the First Quarter Moon, occurring a week after the Full Moon.

Ray

A beam of light or energy emitted from the Sun, illuminating the Moon's surface.

Crater

A depression or hollow area on the Moon's surface caused by the impact of meteoroids or comets.

Maria

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

Meteoroid

A small rocky or metallic body in outer space that, when entering Earth's atmosphere, can create a bright streak of light or impact the lunar surface.