Moon Phases and tides

Front

What causes the phases of the Moon?

Back

The phases of the Moon are caused by the changing angles of the Earth, Moon, and Sun, as well as the Moon’s revolution around the Earth and the views of light and dark on the Moon as seen from Earth.

Front

What is the Waxing Crescent phase?

Back

The Waxing Crescent is the phase of the Moon that occurs after the New Moon and before the First Quarter, where a small sliver of the Moon is illuminated.

Front

What alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon produces the highest tides?

Back

The highest tides occur during the alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon when they are in a straight line, known as syzygy.

Front

Name two events caused by the Moon on Earth besides its phases.

Back

The Moon causes tides and eclipses on Earth.

Front

What is the correct order of the Moon phases?

Back

The correct order of the Moon phases is: New Moon, First Quarter, Full Moon, Third Quarter.

Front

What is a New Moon?

Back

A New Moon is the phase 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 is the phase when the Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun, and its entire illuminated side is visible from Earth.

Front

What are tides?

Back

Tides are the rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational forces exerted by the Moon and the Sun.

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 all or part of the Sun's light.