The Sun, Earth, and Moon System
True or False: The Moon always has the same side facing the Earth. Answer: True
True or False: The Moon light we see is light made from the Moon. Answer: False
True or False: The Moon has different phases because the Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon. Answer: False
Confusing Terms: Rotate (Rotation) Spin on an axis (like in your chair)
Confusing Terms: Revolve (Revolution) Orbit a larger object (Earth goes around the Sun)
Phases of the Moon How the Moon appears is based on positions of the Moon, Earth, and the Sun.
New Moon The Moon is not seen The light side is facing away from the Earth The Moon is between the Earth and Sun
Full Moon The Moon is seen entirely. The light side is facing the Earth The Earth is between the Moon and Sun
First and Third Quarter Moon Can be called a “half” moon The moon is at a 90º angle to the Earth with respect to the sun
Gibbous More than half of moon is illuminated
Crescent Less than half of the moon is illuminated
Eclipses Eclipses occur when the Sun, Earth, and Moon form a straight line.
Solar Eclipse The Moon is directly in between the Earth and Sun
Solar Eclipse
Lunar Eclipse The Earth is directly between the Moon and Sun
Lunar Eclipse