Moon Phases

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What is a Full Moon?

Back

A Full Moon occurs when the entire face of the Moon is illuminated by the Sun, making it appear round and bright in the night sky.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

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What is a New Moon?

Back

A New Moon happens when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, and its illuminated side is facing away from the Earth, making it invisible to us.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

What is a Waxing Crescent Moon?

Back

A Waxing Crescent Moon is the phase that occurs after a New Moon, where a small sliver of the Moon begins to be illuminated and grows larger.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

What is a Waxing Gibbous Moon?

Back

A Waxing Gibbous Moon is the phase that occurs after the First Quarter, where more than half of the Moon is illuminated but it is not yet a Full Moon.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

What is a First Quarter Moon?

Back

A First Quarter Moon occurs when half of the Moon is illuminated and visible from Earth, appearing as a half-circle.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

What is a Third Quarter Moon?

Back

A Third Quarter Moon occurs when the opposite half of the Moon is illuminated compared to the First Quarter, also appearing as a half-circle.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

What is a Waning Crescent Moon?

Back

A Waning Crescent Moon is the phase that occurs after a Full Moon, where the illuminated part of the Moon is decreasing and appears as a small sliver.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

What is a Waning Gibbous Moon?

Back

A Waning Gibbous Moon is the phase that occurs after a Full Moon, where more than half of the Moon is still illuminated but is decreasing.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

How long does it take for the Moon to complete all its phases?

Back

It takes about 29.5 days for the Moon to complete all its phases, known as a lunar month.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

What causes the different phases of the Moon?

Back

The different phases of the Moon are caused by the changing positions of the Moon, Earth, and Sun, which affect how much of the Moon's surface is illuminated.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1