Moon Phases
How many moon phases do we see in a single cycle?
What is a solar eclipse?
The event when the the moon is directly between the Earth and sun, causing it to block the sun's light and casting a shadow on Earth's surface.
What is a lunar eclipse?
An event where the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Earth's shadow to block the sunlight from reaching the Moon.
How long does it take for the moon to complete one full cycle?
29.5 days
What moon phase is required for a solar eclipse to occur?
New Moon
What is the name of the first moon phase - when the moon is completely dark and cannot be seen?
New Moon
Name the darkest part of the shadow that is cast during a solar eclipse.
Umbra
What moon phase is necessary for a lunar eclipse to occur?
Full Moon
What moon phase comes after a full moon?
Waning Gibbous
Define "Gibbous".
More than half, but less than fully illuminated. "Almost fully illuminated".
Name the moon phase that appears as a thin, curved portion of the moon.
Name both that appear in the moon phases.
Waxing Crescent/Waning Cresent
What occurs during a solar eclipse (what do WE see)?
The moon completely blocking the sun's light from Earth's view.
During a total lunar eclipse, the moon appears this color.
A copper-orange red.
During which phase does the Moon appear to be half-illuminated and decreasing in size?
Last Quarter
What is the primary cause of eclipses?
The position of the sun, Earth and moon.
What is the term we use when half the moon is illuminated and we see it as a full circle?
Full Moon
What is the lighter, outer part of the shadow during a solar eclipse called?
Penumbra
What is the term for the part of the Earth's shadow that causes a partial lunar eclipse?
Penumbra
What moon phase comes last, right before the lunar cycle starts over?
Waning Crescent
Describe the difference between a total eclipse and partial eclipse.
A total eclipse occurs when an object is completely in the umbra of another object, completely blocking light. A partial eclipse is when an object is in the penumbra/ slightly in the umbra of another object.
Explain why moon phases are predictable.
The moon follows the same orbit around the Earth and each phase is determined by its specific position relative to the Earth and sun.
Describe the position of the Earth, moon and sun during a solar eclipse.
The order: Sun, Moon, Earth. (The moon is directly between the Earth and sun.
Explain the positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon during a lunar eclipse.
The order: Sun, Earth, moon. (The Earth passes directly between the Sun and Moon.)
What is the significance of the New Moon phase in relation to the lunar cycle?
The New Moon marks the beginning of the lunar cycle, as it indicates that the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, making it invisible from Earth.
Why is it important for scientists to understand the cyclical nature of moon phases?
[Answers will vary.]
Example Answer: Understanding the cyclical nature of moon phases helps scientists predict lunar events.