Moon & Its Phases

Front

What is the Moon?

Back

The Moon is a natural satellite that orbits the Earth.

Front

What are the phases of the Moon?

Back

The phases of the Moon are the different shapes the Moon appears to have from Earth, including new moon, crescent, first quarter, gibbous, and full moon.

Front

What causes the phases of the Moon?

Back

The phases of the Moon are caused by the changing positions of the Moon, Earth, and Sun.

Front

What is a new moon?

Back

A new moon is when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, and we cannot see it from Earth.

Front

What is a full moon?

Back

A full moon is when the entire face of the Moon is illuminated by the Sun and is fully visible from Earth.

Front

What is a quarter moon?

Back

A quarter moon is when half of the Moon is illuminated and half is in shadow.

Front

What is a gibbous moon?

Back

A gibbous moon is when more than half of the Moon is illuminated but it is not yet a full moon.

Front

How does the distance from the Moon affect its appearance?

Back

The closer the Moon is to the observer, the larger it appears; the further away, the smaller it looks.

Front

What is the size comparison between the Sun and the Moon?

Back

The Sun is about 400 times larger than the Moon.

Front

What is an asteroid?

Back

An asteroid is a small rocky body that orbits the Sun, and some can collide with the Moon.