Moons Phases

Does the Moon create its own light? Explain using a labelled diagram.

• Yes, the Moon creates its own light through nuclear fusion.

• No, the Moon reflects the light of the Sun.

• Yes, the Moon creates its own light through reflection.

• No, the Moon creates its own light through bioluminescence.

When the Moon is half illuminated on either side these phases are called the 'first quarter' and 'last quarter'. Explain why these are called 'quarter' phases when half of the Moon is illuminated from Earth's perspective.

• The terms 'first quarter' and 'last quarter' are misnomers and do not accurately describe the Moon's illumination.

• The terms 'first quarter' and 'last quarter' refer to the Moon being one-fourth illuminated from Earth's perspective.

• The terms 'first quarter' and 'last quarter' refer to the Moon being 1/4th or 3/4s of the way through they Synodic Period.

• The terms 'first quarter' and 'last quarter' refer to the Moon being three-fourths illuminated from Earth's perspective.

A synodic month takes about 29.5 days for the Moon to complete one lunar cycle. How many lunar cycles occur in one year?

• 11

• 12

• 13

• 14

What do you know about Earth's Moon? How was it created? How does it move? Is it the only moon in the solar system?

• The Moon was created through volcanic activity on Earth. It moves in a straight line around the Sun. It is the only moon in the solar system.

• The Moon was created through a collision between Earth and a Mars-sized object. It moves in an elliptical orbit around Earth. It is not the only moon in the solar system.

• The Moon was created through gravitational capture by Earth. It moves in a circular orbit around Earth. It is the only moon in the solar system.

• The Moon was created through nuclear fusion. It moves in a spiral orbit around Earth. It is not the only moon in the solar system.

What are moon phases?

• Moon phases are the different shapes of the illuminated part of the Moon as seen from Earth.

• Moon phases are the different positions of the Moon in its orbit around Earth.

• Moon phases are the different sizes of the Moon as seen from Earth.

• Moon phases are the different colors of the Moon as seen from Earth.

Which phase of the Moon is this?

• Waxing Crescent

• Waning Crescent

• Waxing Gibbous

• Waning Gibbous

Which phase is this?

• Solar Eclipse

• New Moon

• Lunar Eclipse

• First Quarter

Why do Earthlings observe the Moon changing shape throughout its orbit?

• The Moon is made of cheese and it melts and reforms as it orbits Earth.

• The Moon is a hologram projected by aliens and they change its shape for entertainment.

• The Moon's shape changes due to atmospheric refraction.

• The Moon's shape changes due to the relative positions of the Moon, Earth, and Sun.

Define the terms 'crescent' and 'gibbous'.

• A crescent is a phase of the Moon when it is fully illuminated, while gibbous is a phase when it is partially illuminated.

• A crescent is a phase of the Moon when less than half is illuminated, while gibbous is a phase when more than half is illuminated.

• A crescent is a phase of the Moon when it is completely dark, while gibbous is a phase when it is partially illuminated.

• A crescent is a phase of the Moon when it is partially illuminated, while gibbous is a phase when it is completely dark.

Where must the Moon be located, relative to the Earth and Sun, to be in its Full Moon phase? Draw a labelled diagram to aid your explanation.

• The Moon must be between the Earth and the Sun.

• The Earth must be between the Moon and the Sun.

• The Moon must be on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun.

• The Moon must be on the same side of the Earth as the Sun.