Lunar Phases

The Moon

The moon does not actually produce its own lightIt reflects light from the sun

The Moon

• Moon phases are the portion of the lit moon as seen from Earth.

• Moon phases are caused by the Sun, Earth, and Moon being in different positions relative to each other.

• As we look out from Earth, we can only see certain parts of the lit moon.

• SHADE IN THE SHADE!

What are moon phases and what causes them?

New Moon

Waxing Cresce

nt

First Quarte

r

Waxing

Gibbous

Full Moon

Waning

Gibbous

Third Quarte

r

Waning Cresce

ntNew Moon

~ 1 week ~ 1 week ~ 1 week ~ 1 week

Waxing PeriodLight “creeps” across Moon

from Right to Left

Waning PeriodDarkness “creeps” across Moon from Right to Left