Phases of the Moon

The Moon has no light source. What we see is sunlight reflecting off the surface of the Moon. The changes in the amount of light and darkness, which can be viewed from Earth, are known as the phases of the Moon. Explore Lunar Phases and read the topics Phases of the Moon and Waxing vs. Waning.

Part 1: Phases of the Moon

Explore the diagram and read the paragraph to answer the following questions.

1. How long is the Moon’s cycle?

2. When do we see a new Moon?

3. When do we see a full Moon?

Part 2: Waxing vs. Waning

Explore the diagram and read the paragraph to complete the following exercises.

1. Explain what we see from Earth when the Moon is waxing.

2. Explain what we see from Earth when the Moon is waning.

3. Label each picture as waxing or waning.

a. b.

4. How would you explain to a friend how to tell the difference between a waxing and waning moon.

Part 3: Moon Rise/Set

Visit Sun or Moon Rise/Set Table for One Year and fill out Form A: Cities and/or Towns in the U.S.

1. Fill in the year

2. Choose moonrise/moonset

3. Choose Maryland

4. Type in “Baltimore”

5. Press compute table

Use the table to find out when the moon will rise and set today. (You may want to hold a piece of paper up to the screen to help you read the table.)