Moon Phases Session

Question 1 of 12

What phase of the Moon occurs when the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon?

Third Quarter Full Moon New Moon First Quarter

Question 2 of 12

During which lunar phase is the Moon not visible from Earth?

New Moon First Quarter Full Moon Waxing Gibbous

Question 3 of 12

What term describes the increasing illuminated portion of the Moon?

Gibbous Waning Waxing Crescent

Question 4 of 12

Which phase comes immediately after the First Quarter Moon?

Full Moon Waning Gibbous Waxing Gibbous Third Quarter

Question 5 of 12

Approximately how long does it take for the Moon to go through all its phases (one synodic month)?

27.3 days 29.5 days 30 days 365 days

Question 6 of 12

What is the phase of the Moon when it appears half-illuminated and is on the 'right' side (as viewed from the Northern Hemisphere)?

Full Moon First Quarter Third Quarter New Moon

Question 7 of 12

What term describes the decreasing illuminated portion of the Moon?

Waxing Gibbous Waning Crescent

Question 8 of 12

Which of the following sequences correctly orders the lunar phases?

New Moon, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon New Moon, Waning Crescent, Last Quarter, Waning Gibbous Full Moon, First Quarter, New Moon, Third Quarter New Moon, Waxing Gibbous, First Quarter, Full Moon

Question 9 of 12

What causes the phases of the Moon?

The changing distance between the Earth and the Moon The Moon's shadow on the Earth The Earth's shadow on the Moon The changing angles at which we view the Moon's illuminated surface

Question 10 of 12

The time between two successive New Moons is called a synodic month. How does it compare to a sidereal month (time for the Moon to orbit Earth relative to the stars)?

Synodic month is longer than sidereal month. Synodic and sidereal months are the same length. There is no relationship between them. Synodic month is shorter than sidereal month.

Astronomy | Moon Phases