Lunar Phases
What is the phase of the moon when it is between the Earth and the Sun?
New moon phase
What is required to witness a solar eclipse?
You must be in the path of the moon’s shadow
How many days typically pass between a new moon and a quarter moon?
7 days
What design demonstrated Earth's rotation?
Describe the appearance of the moon during the waxing crescent phase
A sliver of the moon is visible
How many times does a solar eclipse occur?
At least 2 times
Why does the moon appear to change its shape as seen from Earth?
Different parts of the sunlit moon become visible as it revolves around the Earth.
During which lunar phase does Earth’s northern hemisphere see the right half of the moon lit?
First Quarter phase
Why does the same side of the moon always face the Earth?
Because it takes the same amount of time for the moon and Earth to orbit each other (27 days).
What enables us to see the surface of the moon from Earth?
Light from the sun reflected by the moon’s surface
Where was this experiment taken place
Paris Observatory
Explain what happens during a waxing gibbous phase
The sunlit fraction of the moon visible from Earth continues to increase
How many days does it take for the moon to rotate on its axis?
29.5 days to complete one cycle of phases
Define the difference between the umbra and penumbra
Umbra is the darker inner shadow, while penumbra is the lighter larger shadow
How does the experiment demonstrate or relate to Earth's rotation?
What occurs when the entire sunlit fraction of the moon is visible from Earth?
Full Moon phase
What is the difference between a total solar eclipse and an annular eclipse?
Total solar eclipse completely blocks sunlight. Annular eclipse leaves a thin ring of sunlight visible around the moon.
Describe the view of the sun during a solar eclipse from both the penumbra and umbra perspectives
In a penumbra the view is partially blocked. The umbra the view is completely blocked and the sky appears dark
In what year did the experiment take place?
1851