Moon & Its Phases

Front

What is the Moon?

Back

The Moon is a natural satellite that orbits Earth.

Front

What causes the Moon to shine?

Back

The Moon shines because it reflects light from the Sun.

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

How long does it take for the Moon to complete one orbit around Earth?

Back

It takes about 27.3 days for the Moon to orbit Earth.

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 occurs when the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon, and we can see the entire illuminated part of the Moon.

Front

What are tides?

Back

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

Front

How does the Moon's position affect tides?

Back

When the Moon is directly above or below a location on Earth, it causes high tides; when it is at a right angle, it causes low tides.

Front

What is the difference between a waxing and waning moon?

Back

A waxing moon is when the visible part of the Moon is increasing, while a waning moon is when it is decreasing.

Front

What is the largest object in the sky at night?

Back

The Moon is the largest object we see in the night sky.