Moon has phases because it orbits Earth, which causes the portion of the Moon we see illuminated from the Sun to change on Earth.
Why Does the Moon Have Phases?
The Phases of the Moon are
NOT caused by Shadows!
What Are the Different Phases of the Moon?
Waxing vs. Waning
Moon Phases
The sunlit portion of the Moon that is visible from Earth appears to either
increase (waxes) or decrease (wanes), as the Moon orbits the Earth every month.
increase (waxes) or decrease (wanes), as the Moon orbits the Earth every month.
Waxing means the Moon appears to be "getting bigger." If the Moon is illuminated on the RIGHT side the moon phase is WAXING and the Moon is becoming more illuminated.
|
Waning means the Moon appears to be "getting smaller." If the Moon is illuminated on the LEFT side the moon phase is WANING and the Moon is becoming less illuminated.
|
There are 8 Main Phases of the Moon:
The Moon is now waxing and appearing to get gradually brighter.
The Moon is now waning and appearing to get gradually darker.
Now the lunar cycle will continue again with a New Moon phase.
Can You Correctly Identify Each Real Moon Phase?
Video Guide:
|
|
Topic Tips
- Changes in the Moon’s position as it revolves around the Earth results in more or less of the sunlight reflected from the Moon being visible when observing the Moon from the Earth. This causes the Moon to appear to change shape or have phases from Earth.