Phases and Eclipses Flashcards
New Moon
The side of the moon facing the Earth is not illuminated. The moon is up throughout the day, and down throughout the night. For these reasons we cannot see the moon during this phase.
Phases
The different shapes of the moon you see from Earth caused by the motions of the moon around Earth.
Waxing Crescent
During this phase, part of the moon is beginning to show. This lunar sliver can be seen each evening for a few minutes just after sunset. We say that the moon is “waxing” because each night a little bit more is visible for a little bit longer.
First Quarter
During first quarter, 1/2 of the moon is visible for the first half of the evening, and then goes down, leaving the sky very dark.
Waxing Gibbous
When most of the moon is visible we say it is a gibbous moon. Observers can see all but a little sliver of the moon. During this phase, the moon remains in the sky most of the night.
Full Moon
When we can observe the entire face of the moon, we call it a full moon. A full moon will rise just as the evening begins, and will set about the time morning is ushered in.
Waning Gibbous
Like the waxing gibbous moon, during this phase, we can see all but a sliver of the moon. The difference is that instead of seeing more of the moon each night, we begin to see less and less of the moon each night. This is what the word “waning” means.
Last Quarter
During a last quarter moon we can see exactly 1/2 of the moon’s lighted surface.
Waning Crescent
During a waning crescent moon, observers on Earth can only see a small sliver of the moon, and only just before morning. Each night less of the moon is visible for less time.
Eclipse
Caused when an object in space comes between the sun and a third object; it casts a shadow on that object.
Solar Eclipse
Occurs when the moon passes directly between Earth and the sun, blocking sunlight from Earth. The moon’s shadow then hits Earth.
Lunar Eclipse
Occurs at a full moon when Earth is directly between the moon and the sun.
