The Moon doesn't produce its own light; we see it because it reflects sunlight. As the Moon orbits Earth, the amount of sunlight reflected towards us changes. These changing appearances are called the phases of the Moon. The main phases are New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Third Quarter, and Waning Crescent. Understanding these phases helps us appreciate the Moon's journey and its relationship with the Earth and Sun.
Match the following terms with their definitions:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 1. Waxing | A. The phase when the Moon appears fully illuminated. |
| 2. Waning | B. The phase when the Moon's visible surface is decreasing. |
| 3. Gibbous | C. The phase when the Moon's visible surface is increasing. |
| 4. Crescent | D. The phase when more than half of the Moon is lit, but not full. |
| 5. Full Moon | E. The phase when less than half of the Moon is lit. |
Complete the paragraph using the words provided: orbit, sunlight, phases, Earth, reflected.
The Moon's ________ around the ________ causes us to see different ________. We see the Moon because it ________ ________. These changing appearances are called the ________ of the moon.
Explain why we always see the same side of the Moon from Earth.
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