Moon Phases Flashcardizz HW

Front

What is the main reason one side of the moon always faces the Earth?

Back

The moon is in synchronous rotation with the Earth, meaning it takes the same amount of time to rotate on its axis as it does to orbit the Earth.

Front

What are the phases of the moon caused by?

Back

The phases of the moon are caused by the changing positions of the moon, Earth, and sun, which affect how much of the moon's surface is illuminated.

Front

Define 'Waxing' in relation to moon phases.

Back

Waxing refers to the period when the illuminated part of the moon is increasing, leading up to a full moon.

Front

Define 'Waning' in relation to moon phases.

Back

Waning refers to the period when the illuminated part of the moon is decreasing, leading up to a new moon.

Front

What is 'Rotation' in the context of celestial bodies?

Back

Rotation is the spinning of a celestial body on its axis.

Front

What is 'Revolution' in the context of celestial bodies?

Back

Revolution is the movement of a celestial body around another body in space.

Front

What does it mean when the moon is 'full'?

Back

A full moon occurs when the entire face of the moon is illuminated by the sun, making it fully visible from Earth.

Front

What does it mean when the moon is 'new'?

Back

A new moon occurs when the moon is positioned between the Earth and the sun, making it invisible from Earth.

Front

What is the term for the shadowed side of the moon during the waxing phase?

Back

The shadowed side of the moon during the waxing phase is the left side.

Front

How long does it take for the moon to complete one full cycle of phases?

Back

It takes about 29.5 days for the moon to complete one full cycle of phases.