Basic Moon Facts
What is the main source of light for the Moon?
The Sun
Which moon phase is the most "bright"?
A full moon.
What were the two examples of animals on the slide that respond to the Moon?
Sea turtles and owls
What month of the year is closest in length to the length of the lunar cycle?
February (28 days is closest to 27.3 days)
Describe the Moon's surface.
It has many mountains and craters, with a very rocky and dusty surface.
Is a waning moon getting larger or smaller?
It is getting smaller
How does the Moon affect the Earth's rotation?
It slows the Earth's rotation down
What is the word for when the Moon or the Earth pass in front of each other and block the light?
Eclipse
What is a satellite, and is the Moon considered one?
A satellite is something that orbits a planet, and yes the Moon is Earth's satellite.
What is the first phase of the lunar cycle?
New Moon
How does the Moon impact the Earth's oceans?
It causes low and high tides
(both twice a day!)
What does a gibbous moon look like?
How big is the Moon compared to Earth?
It is 1/4th of the size of Earth.
Which is closer to the Full Moon? Waxing Gibbous or Waxing Crescent?
Waxing Gibbous
What are the three main uses animals have for the moon?
For light at night, to guide them in migration, and to know when to reproduce
What phase of the lunar cycle is Lunar New Year based on?
New Moon
What is the shape of the moon called?
An ellipse
What is the phase where only half of the Moon's surface (that we can see) is visible?
First Quarter or Third Quarter Moon
What was the special term for the Moon slowing down the Earth's rotation?
Tidal acceleration
What was the name of the planet that collided with Earth to create the Moon?
Theia