Moon Phases
This phase is when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun and we cannot see the lit side from Earth.
New moon
The Earth takes this amount of time to complete one orbit around the Sun. Give the exact number of days.
365 1/4 days or 365 days, 6 hours
Name the phase that occurs about one week after the new moon when we see half of the Moon lit on the right side.
First quarter
What is the reason why the Earth has seasons?
Because the Earth is tilted on its axis (about 23.5°), different hemispheres receive more direct sunlight at different times of year.
This phase happens about two weeks after the new moon when the entire near side of the Moon is illuminated.
Full moon
What happens to the length of daylight if a hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun?
length of daylight increases (days are longer).
List the four main moon phases in order starting from new moon.
New moon → First quarter → Full moon → Third quarter
When the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, what season is the Southern Hemisphere in?
Summer
Explain why the Moon’s appearance changes during the month.
Different amounts of sunlight reflect off the moon back to Earth, creating different appearances (phases).
What two things change all year as seasonal changes occur?
change in average temperature and change in length of daylight