Motion of the Moon

Flashcards about the motion of the Moon

Synodic Month

The time it takes for the Moon to go through a whole cycle of phases, approximately 29.5 days.

Sidereal Month

The time it takes for the Moon to make a full 360° orbit around the Earth, which is about 2 days shorter than a synodic month.

Waxing Phase

The phase of the Moon when the light is on the right side.

Waning Phase

The phase of the Moon when the darkness is on the right side.

Lunar Eclipse

Occurs when the Earth is between the Moon and the Sun, causing the Earth's shadow to fall on the Moon.

Solar Eclipse

Occurs when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, causing the Moon to block the Sun's light.

Partial Eclipse (Lunar/Solar)

Occurs when only part of the Moon or Sun is in shadow or blocked.

Total Eclipse (Lunar/Solar)

Occurs when the entire Moon is in shadow or the entire Sun is blocked.

Annular Solar Eclipse

Occurs when the Moon is too far from Earth to completely block the Sun, resulting in a ring of sunlight around the Moon.