Phases, Eclipses, and Tides

Front

What causes the ocean tides?

Back

The pull of gravity from the sun and moon on the Earth.

Front

What does it mean when the moon is 'waning'?

Back

The light is 'shrinking' or decreasing illumination.

Front

What does it mean when the moon is 'waxing'?

Back

The light is 'growing' from the right, getting bigger.

Front

What is a gibbous moon?

Back

When the moon is more than half illuminated but not quite full.

Front

What moon phase comes right BEFORE a New Moon?

Back

The New Moon.

Front

What is the definition of a solar eclipse?

Back

An event where the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, blocking the sun's light.

Front

What is a lunar eclipse?

Back

An event where the Earth passes between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow on the moon.

Front

What is the difference between spring tides and neap tides?

Back

Spring tides occur during full and new moons when the tide is highest; neap tides occur during the first and last quarters when the tide is lowest.

Front

What is the role of the sun in ocean tides?

Back

The sun's gravitational pull also affects tides, but to a lesser extent than the moon.

Front

What is a crescent moon?

Back

A moon phase where less than half of the moon is illuminated.