Moon Phases


Gain an understanding of the phases of the Moon by observing the relative positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun, along with a view of the Moon from the Earth. Learn about the face of the Moon viewed from Earth by studying the revolution and rotation of the Earth and the Moon.

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Assessment Questions (5):

  1. Which theory best describes the cause of Moon Phases?
  2. Which choice lists the correct sequence of phases in a single cycle?
  3. When the Moon is positioned as shown in the diagram below, what phase of the Moon would an observer on Earth see?

    Moon, Earth, and Sun.
  4. What would the Moon look like to an observer on the North Pole when the Moon is positioned as shown in the diagram below? (Assume that the observer can see the Moon.)

    Moon, Earth and Sun.

    Four Moon phases.
  5. Suppose there is a New Moon on August 1. On what day would you expect the Moon to be Full?

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