Continued...
New Moon
- When the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, we see the unlit side of the Moon. This is called the new Moon and we do not see the Moon.
Waxing Crescent Moon
- When a small crescent is visible (about 2 days after the new Moon) we have reached the crescent phase.
First Quarter Moon
- Each day the Moon gets fuller until we see the Moon at a right angle to where the Sun has set. At this point we see 1/4 of the Moon illuminated and we say it is the first quarter.
Waxing Gibbous Moon
- Over the next 7 days the Moon will become fuller yet. When it is almost full it is said to be in the gibbous phase.
- In the 2 weeks that the Moon goes from new to full we say it is waxing.
Full Moon
- About 14 days after the new Moon the Moon is opposite of the setting Sun ( the Earth is now between the Sun and the Moon) and we see 1/2 of the Moon ( this is known as the full moon since we see the full face of the Moon).
After the full moon when the Moon starts getting smaller it is said to be waning.
Waning Gibbous Moon
- Between the full and last quarter the Moon goes through another gibbous phase .
Last Quarter Moon
- The 7 days following full moon show the Moon loosing some of its shape until we again see only a quarter of the Moon, which is the last quarter.
Waning Crescent Moon
- In the next 7 days the Moon moves from the last quarter to the new Moon, again going through the crescent phase.
- Repeat all steps
Do not memorize this word for word. Understand the terms gibbous, waxing, waning, crescent, quarter, full and new.
MOONS BROKEN DOWN
MOONS BROKEN DOWN
- Waxing = Growing or expanding
- Waning = Decreasing or Shrinking
- Crescent = Less then half is illuminated
- Gibbous = More then half is illuminated
Lunar and Solar Eclipse
Also, understanding that sometimes we cannot see the moon or the sun due to a lunar or solar eclipse.
Why do we not have an eclipse of the Sun every new moon and a lunar eclipse on full moons?
The reason is that the orbit of the Moon is inclined 5 degrees to the plane of the Earth and the Sun so most months the Moon is either above or below this plane.
Lunar Eclipse
Interactive of solar and lunar eclipses can be found here.
Take the Moon Phases quiz to test your knowledge!
Here is a calendar of the phases of the Moon for November. Look at todays date, memorize it or draw it, then go home tonight and view the night sky. Is this calendar correct?
The reason is that the orbit of the Moon is inclined 5 degrees to the plane of the Earth and the Sun so most months the Moon is either above or below this plane.
Lunar Eclipse
- When the Moon intersects the plane during a full moon we have a lunar eclipse.
- This is to say that the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon and direct sunlight does not reach the Moon.
- The Moon will take on a copper red colour as the light from the sun is bent through the Earth's atmosphere and light from the red end of the spectrum strikes the Moon and is reflected back.
- When the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, the disc of the Moon perfectly matches that of the Sun.
- The result is one of the most beautiful sights in the world −a total solar eclipse.
- During a solar eclipse the light from the Sun is blocked out and we see only the Corona or the atmosphere of the Sun.
- Scientists take this opportunity to study the Corona since it is hidden all other times.
- By studying the Corona scientists are better able to understand how stars work and how their gravity affects the temperature and radiation that the star produces.
Interactive of solar and lunar eclipses can be found here.
Take the Moon Phases quiz to test your knowledge!
Here is a calendar of the phases of the Moon for November. Look at todays date, memorize it or draw it, then go home tonight and view the night sky. Is this calendar correct?
End of Part 2 - Day 1
Homework: View tonights moon (if possible) and tell Mr. B tomorrow in class what you noticed!
Homework: View tonights moon (if possible) and tell Mr. B tomorrow in class what you noticed!