Lunar Phases Test

Name

Class

• Cambridge
• Oxford
• Harvard
• MIT
• Stanford

What causes the phases of the Moon?

• B. The Earth's shadow falling on the Moon

• C. The Moon's position relative to Earth and the Sun

Which phase occurs when the Moon is fully illuminated as seen from Earth?

• D. Waning Crescent

• B. Full Moon

How many phases does the Moon cycle through in one lunar month?

• A. 4

• C. 8

4. How long does it take for the Moon to complete one full cycle of phases?

• B. 14 days

• C. 29.5 days

5. What is the phase of the Moon called when none of its illuminated side is visible from Earth?

• A. New Moon

• D. Waxing Gibbous

6. Why is a lunar eclipse only visible during a Full Moon?

• B. The Earth is between the Moon and the Sun.

• A. The Moon is closest to the Sun.

7. Imagine you are standing on the Moon during a New Moon phase as seen from Earth. What would you see if you looked toward Earth?

• D. No Earth

• A. A Full Earth

Why are lunar eclipses visible from more places on Earth than solar eclipses?

• B. Lunar eclipses happen more frequently than solar eclipses.

• A. The Earth's shadow is larger than the Moon's shadow.