Phases of the Moon The moon revolves around Earth once a month causing the phases of the moon The phases are caused by the position of the moon relative to the earth and sun Synchronous rotation—moon’s rotation and revolution are the same amount of time so we always see the same side of the moon!
Phases of the Moon New moon Waxing crescent First quarter Waxing gibbous Full moon Waning gibbous Third quarter Waning crescent
Motions of the Moon Tides are the rise and fall of Earth’s ocean levels based on the position of the moon relative to Earth Spring Tide is when the tides are their highest and lowest Neap Tides are when there is the least range between tides
Eclipses Lunar Eclipse is when the Earth passes between the sun and moon Solar Eclipse is when the moon passes between the sun and Earth
Solar Eclipse Lunar Eclipse Neap Tide Solar Eclipse Lunar Eclipse
Lunar Eclipse
Umbra is the dark shadow where all light is blocked Total eclipse Penumbra is the partial blocking of light Partial eclipse
Why don’t we see a solar eclipse every month? Moon’s orbit is tipped 5o to the elliptical plane Moon’s distance from Earth varies Apogee is when the moon is the farthest away from the Earth Perigee is when the moon is closest to the Earth