MOON PHASES

Moon phases

- different shapes of the moon we see from Earth

-> The moon doesn't produce its own light - it reflects light from the Sun

- > As the moon moves, we see different portions of its lit side, creating phases.

• Why do Phases happen?

- because of the changing positions of:

the Earth, Moon, and Sun

As the moon orbits Earth (about 29. 5 days), the angle of sunlight changes—so Moon appears to change shape.

• The 8 Main Phases of the Moon

1. New Moon

- moon is between Earth and Sun

- we can't see it (dark side faces us)

2. Waxing crescent

- a small curved eliver appears

- "waxing" = growing

3. First Quarter

- half of the moon is visible

- looks half-circle

4. Waxing Gibbous

- more than half is lit

- growing toward full

5. Full Moon

- earth is between sun and moon

-entire face is bright

6. Waning Gibbous

- shrink after full

- "waning" = shrinking

7. Last (Third) Quarter

- half is visible but opposite side from first quarter.

8. Waning crescent

- thin sliver before disappearing

- > The phases repeat in a cycle called the Lunar Cycle

* Waxing = growing (right side bright

in Northern Hemisphere like PH)

* Waning =shrinking (left side bright)

• Why it maters

- Moon Phases affect:

• tides (strongest during new and full)

• cultural calendars

• night brightness