2. The Earth’s Moon
The Earth’s moon is a natural satellite. Although it
appears bright, the moon does not actually produce its
own light. Instead, it reflects the sun’s rays which makes
it visible.
3. Phases on the Moon
The moon is in a constant rotation around the Earth. As it
revolves, the angle at which the Sun’s rays reflect off of
its surface changes what is visible to us. The entire cycle
of moon phases takes about one month to complete.
4. New Moon
The moon is not visible in the sky. Except during a solar
eclipse. In the picture below there appears to no moon,
however, the moon is simple not being laminated by the
sun’s rays.
5. Waxing Crescent
The moon is less than one-half illuminated by the sun but
less than one quarter illuminated. Occurs when the moon's
illumination is increasing
6. First Quarter
The moon is one-half illuminated by the sun. Occurs when
the moon's illumination is increasing
7. Waxing Gibbous
The moon is more than one-half illuminated by the sun
but not completely illuminated. Occurs when the moon's
illumination is increasing
8. Full Moon
The moon is totally visible in the sky. Except during a
lunar eclipse
9. Wanning Gibbous
The moon is more than one-half illuminated by the sun
but not completely illuminated. Occurs when the moon's
illumination is decreasing
10. Third Quarter
The moon is one-half illuminated by the sun. Occurs when
the moon's illumination is decreasing
11. Waning Crescent
The moon is less than one-half illuminated by the sun but
less than one quarter illuminated. Occurs when the moon's
illumination is decreasing
13. Summary
The moon constantly revolves around
the sun
It does not produce its own light and
is only visible because it reflects the
light from the sun.
The moon completes a cycle of 8
phases
The full cycle takes approximately
one month