Moon Phases

Front

What is the cycle of the moon called?

Back

The cycle of the moon is called the lunar cycle, which lasts about a month.

Front

What causes the moon's phases?

Back

The moon's phases are caused by the amount of sunlight reflected onto the moon from the sun.

Front

What is a large body made of gas or rock that orbits around a star?

Back

A large body made of gas or rock that orbits around a star is called a planet.

Front

How many phases does the moon go through?

Back

The moon goes through 8 distinct phases.

Front

What is the spinning of the Earth on its axis called?

Back

The spinning of the Earth on its axis is called rotation.

Front

What is the term for the path that the moon takes around the Earth?

Back

The path that the moon takes around the Earth is called its orbit.

Front

What is the phase of the moon when it is completely illuminated?

Back

The phase of the moon when it is completely illuminated is called the Full Moon.

Front

What is the phase of the moon when it is not visible from Earth?

Back

The phase of the moon when it is not visible from Earth is called the New Moon.

Front

What is the term for the time it takes for the moon to complete one full orbit around the Earth?

Back

The time it takes for the moon to complete one full orbit around the Earth is called a lunar month, approximately 29.5 days.

Front

What is the term for the gradual change in the moon's appearance?

Back

The gradual change in the moon's appearance is called the lunar phases.