Why does the moon change shape? Wonders 2023

Front

What is the main reason the moon appears to change shape?

Back

The moon doesn't actually change shape; it goes through different phases based on its position relative to the Earth and the Sun.

Front

What are the phases of the moon?

Back

The phases of the moon include New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent.

Front

What is a New Moon?

Back

A New Moon is when the moon is between the Earth and the Sun, and its illuminated side is facing away from the Earth.

Front

What is a Full Moon?

Back

A Full Moon occurs when the Earth is between the moon and the Sun, and the entire face of the moon is illuminated.

Front

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

Back

'Waxing' means that the visible part of the moon is increasing, moving from New Moon to Full Moon.

Front

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

Back

'Waning' means that the visible part of the moon is decreasing, moving from Full Moon to New Moon.

Front

How long does it take for the moon to complete one full cycle of phases?

Back

It takes about 29.5 days for the moon to complete one full cycle of phases.

Front

What is a comet?

Back

A comet is a small icy object that orbits the Sun and can develop a tail when it gets close to the Sun.

Front

What is an asteroid?

Back

An asteroid is a rocky chunk in orbit between Mars and Jupiter.

Front

What is the difference between a comet and an asteroid?

Back

Comets are icy and can develop tails, while asteroids are rocky and do not have tails.