Lunar Phases and Eclipses

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Questions and Answers

Which celestial event did the author witness one night?

A meteor shower

A solar eclipse

A comet passing by

A lunar eclipse (correct)

What is the source of the moon's light?

It shines with its own light

It absorbs light from the atmosphere

It reflects light from the sun (correct)

It reflects light from the stars

What are the different shapes of the moon seen from Earth called?

Revolution

Orbits

Eclipses

Phases (correct)

What is the side of the moon that always faces Earth called?

The near side Signup and view all the answers

What causes the different phases of the moon?

The moon's revolution Signup and view all the answers

How does the moon move through space?

It both revolves around Earth and rotates on its axis Signup and view all the answers

What does the moon's rotation on its axis determine?

The moon's surface features Signup and view all the answers

What is the time taken by the moon to rotate on its axis?

28 days Signup and view all the answers

What is the moon's motion around Earth called?

Revolution Signup and view all the answers

What does the near side of the moon always face?

Earth Signup and view all the answers

During a lunar eclipse, Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the moon.

True Signup and view all the answers

What causes the phases of the moon?

The changing relative positions of the moon, Earth, and sun Signup and view all the answers

What is the umbra in a solar eclipse?

The darkest part of the moon's shadow that completely blocks the sun's light Signup and view all the answers

When does a total lunar eclipse occur?

During a full moon Signup and view all the answers

What is the penumbra in a lunar eclipse?

The part of the moon's shadow that is less dark than the umbra Signup and view all the answers

What causes a solar eclipse?

The moon passing directly between Earth and the sun Signup and view all the answers

What is the phase of the moon during a new moon?

The side of the moon facing Earth is not lit Signup and view all the answers

What is the phase of the moon during a full moon?

The side of the moon facing Earth is fully lit Signup and view all the answers

What is the phase of the moon during a crescent moon?

Half of the moon is lit Signup and view all the answers

What is the phase of the moon during a quarter moon?

Half of the moon is lit Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Celestial Events and Moon Phases

The author witnessed a lunar eclipse one night.

Moon's Light and Phases

The source of the moon's light is the reflection of sunlight.
The different shapes of the moon seen from Earth are called phases.
The side of the moon that always faces Earth is called the near side.

Moon's Motion and Rotation

The moon moves through space in an elliptical orbit around Earth.
The moon's rotation on its axis determines the length of its day, which is 27.3 days.
The time taken by the moon to rotate on its axis is 27.3 days, which is the same as its orbital period.
The moon's motion around Earth is called a lunar month or synodic month.

Lunar Eclipses

During a lunar eclipse, Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the moon.
The phases of the moon are caused by the relative positions of the Earth, sun, and moon.
The umbra is the darker inner shadow on the Earth's surface during a solar eclipse.
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth's umbra falls on the moon.
The penumbra is the lighter outer shadow on the Earth's surface during a lunar eclipse.

Solar Eclipses

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, blocking sunlight.

Moon Phases

During a new moon, the phase of the moon is between the Earth and the sun, making it invisible from Earth.
During a full moon, the entire face of the moon is illuminated by the sun, making it fully visible from Earth.
During a crescent moon, the moon appears to be growing larger, with a small sliver of light on the right side.
During a quarter moon, the moon appears as a quarter circle of light in the sky.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the fascinating phenomena of lunar phases and eclipses with this quiz. Explore what causes the moon's phases and gain insights into the different types of eclipses. Challenge yourself and expand your understanding of these celestial events.