The Moon appears to change shape throughout the month. These apparent changes are called Moon phases. The phases are caused by the changing angles at which we see the Moon's illuminated surface. As the Moon orbits the Earth, different amounts of its sunlit side become visible to us, creating the cycle of phases from New Moon to Full Moon and back again. Understanding these phases helps us track time and appreciate the beauty of our celestial neighbor.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| π New Moon | The phase when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, and not visible. |
| π Full Moon | The phase when the entire face of the Moon is illuminated. |
| π First Quarter | The phase when half of the Moon's face is illuminated, appearing as a half-circle. |
| π Third Quarter | The phase when the other half of the Moon's face is illuminated, appearing as a half-circle. |
| π Waxing Crescent | The phase when a sliver of the Moon becomes visible and is growing bigger. |
Instructions: Match the term on the left with the correct definition. Draw a line connecting them.
The Moon goes through different ________ called phases. When the Moon is completely dark, it is called a ________. When we can see the whole Moon lit up, it's a ________. The phases change as the Moon ________ around the Earth. After the New Moon, we see the ________ Crescent.
Why does the Moon appear to change shape even though it's always a sphere?
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