Moon Phases & Tides

Front

What is the New Moon phase?

Back

The New Moon phase occurs when the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, causing the side of the Moon facing Earth to be dark.

Front

Why do we only see one side of the Moon?

Back

We only see one side of the Moon because it rotates on its axis in the same amount of time it takes to orbit Earth, approximately 27.3 days.

Front

What is the Waxing Gibbous phase?

Back

The Waxing Gibbous phase is when more than half of the Moon is illuminated and is increasing in brightness, occurring after the First Quarter.

Front

How long does it take for the Moon to complete one rotation on its axis?

Back

The Moon takes about one month (approximately 27.3 days) to complete one rotation on its axis.

Front

What is the First Quarter phase?

Back

The First Quarter phase occurs when half of the Moon is illuminated and visible from Earth, typically one week after the New Moon.

Front

What is the Full Moon phase?

Back

The Full Moon phase occurs when the entire face of the Moon is illuminated by the Sun, making it fully visible from Earth.

Front

What is the Waning Gibbous phase?

Back

The Waning Gibbous phase is when the Moon is more than half illuminated but decreasing in brightness, occurring after the Full Moon.

Front

What is the Waning Crescent phase?

Back

The Waning Crescent phase occurs when less than half of the Moon is illuminated and is decreasing in brightness, leading up to the New Moon.

Front

What causes tides on Earth?

Back

Tides on Earth are caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun on Earth's oceans.

Front

What is a Spring Tide?

Back

A Spring Tide is a higher than normal tide that occurs during the New Moon and Full Moon phases when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are aligned.