Moon Phases & Eclipses

Front

What is the New Moon phase?

Back

The New Moon phase occurs when the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, making it invisible from Earth.

Front

Is the Moon larger or smaller than the Earth?

Back

The Moon is smaller than the Earth.

Front

What does it mean when the Moon is waning?

Back

When the Moon is waning, it appears to be getting smaller in the sky.

Front

What is the primary source of light that illuminates the Moon?

Back

The primary source of light that illuminates the Moon is sunlight.

Front

Why are total solar eclipses less common than total lunar eclipses?

Back

Total solar eclipses are less common because the Moon's shadow only covers a small area on Earth's surface.

Front

What is a lunar eclipse?

Back

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Earth's shadow to cover the Moon.

Front

What is a solar eclipse?

Back

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun's light from reaching the Earth.

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 the Far Side of the Moon?

Back

The Far Side of the Moon is the hemisphere that is always facing away from Earth.

Front

What is the umbra in a solar eclipse?

Back

The umbra is the darkest part of the Moon's shadow during a solar eclipse, where totality occurs.