Moon Phases Mastery Flashcardziz

Front

The changing appearances of the Moon as seen from Earth

Back

moon phases

Answer explanation

The term 'moon phases' refers to the various appearances of the Moon as it orbits Earth, including new moon, first quarter, and full moon. Thus, 'moon phases' is the correct answer as it encompasses all these changes.

Front

A moon that is completely dark because its unlit side is facing Earth

Back

new moon

Answer explanation

A new moon occurs when the moon's unlit side faces Earth, making it completely dark. This is why the correct answer is 'new moon', as the other phases show varying amounts of illumination.

Front

The moon is a quarter of the way around the Earth. You can see the right half of the moon.

Back

first quarter moon

Answer explanation

The moon is a quarter of the way around the Earth, showing the right half, which corresponds to the first quarter moon phase. This is when half of the moon is illuminated and visible from Earth.

Front

Phase that occurs when all of the Moon's surface facing Earth reflects light

Back

full moon

Answer explanation

The full moon phase occurs when the entire surface of the Moon facing Earth is illuminated by the Sun, making it fully visible. This is why the correct answer is 'full moon'.

Front

The phase of the moon when it is three-quarters of the way through its orbit, and we see half of the moon lighted.

Back

third quarter moon

Answer explanation

The third quarter moon occurs when the moon is three-quarters of the way through its orbit, showing half of its surface illuminated. This phase is also known as the last quarter, distinguishing it from other phases.

Front

Moon phase in which less than half of the Moon appears to be lit.

Back

crescent

Answer explanation

The crescent moon phase occurs when less than half of the Moon is illuminated, making it the correct answer. In contrast, the third quarter moon is half-lit, and gibbous is more than half-lit.

Front

Moon phase in which more than half of the Moon appears to be lit.

Back

gibbous

Answer explanation

The gibbous moon phase occurs when more than half of the Moon is illuminated. In contrast, the third quarter moon shows half, and a crescent moon shows less than half. Therefore, the correct answer is gibbous.

Front

23.5 degrees, causes seasons

Back

Earth's tilt

Answer explanation

The Earth's tilt of 23.5 degrees is responsible for the changing seasons as it affects the angle and intensity of sunlight received at different times of the year.

Front

When the Moon appears to get bigger

Back

waxing

Answer explanation

The Moon appears to get bigger during the waxing phase, which occurs after the new moon and before the full moon. This is when the illuminated portion of the Moon increases, making it look larger.

Front

When the Moon appears to get smaller

Back

waning

Answer explanation

The Moon appears to get smaller during the waning phase, which occurs after a full moon when the illuminated portion decreases. This is in contrast to waxing, where the Moon appears to grow.