http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/interactives/moon/moon_challenge/moon_challenge.html

http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/olcweb/cgi/pluginpop.cgi?it=swf::800::600::/sites/dl/free/0072482621/78778/Lunar_Nav.swf::Lunar%20Phases%20Interactive

During the new moon phase, the moon is between the Sun and the Earth. Because the light from the moon is reflected sunlight, we do not see the moon at this time.

A waxing crescent is when a small portion of the moon can be seen. Waxing means getting bigger.

Most people call this a “half moon”. It is called the first quarter because the moon has completed it’s first quarter revolution around the earth at this time.

A gibbous is an almost full moon. Waxing means it is getting larger. What will the next phase be?

This is when the moon is on the opposite side of the earth from the Sun. The moon receives full sunlight from the sun.

A blue moon is when there are two full moon within a single month.

Waning means getting smaller. A gibbous is an almost full moon but because it is a waning moon, the phases will be getting smaller. What will be the next phase?

This is also referred to as a half moon by many people. It is a third quarter because the moon has almost completed it revolution around the earth.

Waning means getting smaller. What will be the next phase?

During the new moon phase, the moon is between the Sun and the Earth. Because the light from the moon is reflected sunlight, we do not see the moon at this time.