PHASES OF THE MOON

Have you ever noticed that, every night, when  you look at the Moon in the sky, it is a different shape than it is on other nights? Sometimes it appears round, and other times it appears banana-shaped. This is because you are seeing two different phases of the Moon. The image to the left shows you what the Moon should look like tonight. From Earth, you can only see whatever part of the Moon is lit up by the Sun. This is similar to if you were standing on the Moon. You would only see the side of Earth which is being lit by the Sun. Neither the Moon or Earth produce their own light. They simply reflect light from the Sun. However, sometimes the light reflected on Earth by the Sun can actually light up the Moon too. This usually happens in the evening of the first full moon in Spring.

 

The part of the Moon that is lit depends on the position of the Moon and Earth in space in relation to the Sun. If you were standing on Earth and looking at the Moon at night, you would be able to tell where the Sun is without being able to see it. For example, if the right side of the Moon is lit, we know that the Sun is to the right of the Moon.

We cannot see much of a New Moon because the Sun is shining directly on the side that we cannot see from Earth. As the Moon gets brighter, and we see more of it each day, it is a Waxing Moon. After it has become a full moon after about 14 days, it begins to darken, and is known as a Waning Moon. Below is a picture of the Moon, explaining its phases.

Sometimes the Earth is in a position between the Sun and the Moon which causes the Earth to cast a shadow on the Moon. The results in a total eclipse of the Moon, and causes the Moon to appear a reddy colour. It is similar to a total eclipse of the Sun, except that it is Earth in between the Sun and Moon, not the Moon being in between Earth and the Sun. Below is a picture of the Moon coming out of the Earth's shadow. During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon never appears totally dark. Light from the Sun is refracted through the Earth through its atmosphere and reflects dimly on the Moon, giving it a dull brownish colour.

 

THE MOON MENU WELCOME TO THE MOON WALKING ON THE MOON THE APOLLO MISSIONS - PART ONE THE APOLLO MISSIONS - PART TWO
THE FULL MOON TIDES PHASES OF THE MOON FACTS ABOUT THE MOON CHANGE DESTINATION

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