Moon Phase Flashcard (8B.1)

Front

What are the phases of the moon?

Back

The phases of the moon are the different shapes the moon appears to take as it orbits Earth, including New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent.

Front

What is a New Moon?

Back

A New Moon is the phase of the moon when it is not visible from Earth because the illuminated side is facing away from us.

Front

What is a Full Moon?

Back

A Full Moon is the phase of the moon when it is fully illuminated by the sun and appears as a complete circle from Earth.

Front

What does 'waxing' mean in relation to the moon?

Back

'Waxing' refers to the phases of the moon when it appears to be getting larger, from New Moon to Full Moon.

Front

What does 'waning' mean in relation to the moon?

Back

'Waning' refers to the phases of the moon when it appears to be getting smaller, from Full Moon to New Moon.

Front

What is the First Quarter phase?

Back

The First Quarter phase is when half of the moon is illuminated and appears as a half-circle from Earth.

Front

What is the Last Quarter phase?

Back

The Last Quarter phase is when the opposite half of the moon is illuminated compared to the First Quarter, also appearing as a half-circle.

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 as it orbits Earth.

Front

What is a Waxing Gibbous?

Back

A Waxing Gibbous is the phase of the moon when it is more than half illuminated but not yet full.

Front

What is a Waning Gibbous?

Back

A Waning Gibbous is the phase of the moon when it is more than half illuminated but is decreasing in illumination.