Moon Phases
Which moon phase does the lunar cycle begin with?
New Moon
Which celestial body is in the middle during a solar eclipse?
Moon
What force is responsible for the ocean tides?
Gravity
How many moon phases are there?
8
Which part of the Moon is illuminated during the waxing phases of the Moon?
Left
Night
How many tides do most coastal areas experience in a day?
4
2 high tides and 2 low tides
Which celestial body is in the middle during a lunar eclipse?
Earth
Which phase comes after a full moon is the southern hemisphere?
Waning gibbous
What is the name of the dark shadow formed by the the Moon during a solar eclipse?
Umbra
During which moon phases do spring tides occur?
New moon and full Moon
During which moon phases do neap tides occur?
1st quarter and 3rd quarter
Why does the Moon change its appearance?
Due to the orbit of the Moon around the Earth and the amount of the illuminated part of the Moon we can see
Why do Solar and Lunar eclipses NOT occur every month?
Due to the tilt of the Moon's orbit
If an area experienced a high tide at 1am, at what time will it experience the next high tide?
1pm
Which Eclipse, solar or lunar, lasts longer and why?
Lunar. Since the Earth's shadow is larger
If Jane saw a first quarter on 1st June 2026, what date would she see the next new moon?
22nd June 2026
Why is it that not everyone on Earth can experience a total solar eclipse?
Only those who are located within the umbra can view a total solar eclipse
Why are spring tides higher than neap tides?
During spring tides, the force of gravity is larger due to the sun and moon exerting a force in the same direction. During neap tides, the force of gravity is weaker as the moon and Sun are at right angles
Why do we only see one side of the Moon?
The time taken for the Moon to orbit the Earth is equal to the time taken for the Moon to rotate around itself - 29.5 days