Moon Phases and Eclipses

Front

What is a waxing gibbous moon?

Back

A waxing gibbous moon is a phase of the moon that occurs after the first quarter and before a full moon, where more than half of the moon is illuminated but not yet fully visible.

Front

What is a waning crescent moon?

Back

A waning crescent moon is a phase of the moon that occurs after the last quarter and before a new moon, where less than half of the moon is illuminated.

Front

What phase of the moon does a lunar eclipse occur?

Back

A lunar eclipse occurs only during a full moon.

Front

Why does the same side of the Moon always face Earth?

Back

The same side of the Moon always faces Earth because the Moon revolves around Earth and rotates on its axis in about the same amount of time.

Front

What is the difference between a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse?

Back

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun's light. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon.

Front

What are the main phases of the moon?

Back

The main phases of the moon are 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 a 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 a phase of the moon when the entire face of the moon is illuminated and visible from Earth.

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.

Front

What is the term for the moon's orbit around Earth?

Back

The term for the moon's orbit around Earth is 'lunar orbit'.