Moon Phases, Eclipses and Tides

Front

What are the phases of the Moon?

Back

The Moon goes through 8 phases: New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent.

Front

What causes the Moon's phases?

Back

The phases of the Moon are caused by the amount of sunlight reflected onto the Moon from the Sun, as the Moon orbits the Earth.

Front

How long does it take for the Earth to make one complete revolution around the Sun?

Back

It takes approximately 365 1/4 days for the Earth to make one complete revolution around the Sun.

Front

What is a Full Moon?

Back

A Full Moon occurs when the entire face of the Moon is illuminated by the Sun, making it appear fully round.

Front

What is a New Moon?

Back

A New Moon occurs when the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, and the side of the Moon facing Earth is not illuminated.

Front

How many total phases does the Moon go through?

Back

The Moon goes through a total of 8 distinct phases.

Front

What is a Solar Eclipse?

Back

A Solar Eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun's light either partially or completely.

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 the difference between a Solar Eclipse and a Lunar Eclipse?

Back

A Solar Eclipse happens during the day when the Moon blocks the Sun, while a Lunar Eclipse happens at night when the Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon.

Front

What is a Tide?

Back

A Tide is the rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational forces exerted by the Moon and the Sun on the Earth's oceans.