The Sun, Earth, and Moon SystemThe Sun, Earth,

and Moon System

True or False:True or False:The Moon always has the same side facing the Earth.

Answer: True

True or False:True or False:The Moon light we see is light made from the Moon.

Answer: False

True or False:True or False:The Moon has different phases because the Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon.

Answer: False

Confusing Terms:Confusing Terms:

Rotate

(Rotation)

Spin on an axis

– (like in your chair)

Confusing Terms:Confusing Terms:

Revolve (Revolution)

Orbit a larger object

– (Earth goes around the Sun)

Phases of the MoonPhases of the Moon

How the Moon appears is based on positions of the Moon, Earth, and the Sun.

New MoonNew MoonThe Moon is not seenThe light side is

facing away from the Earth

The Moon is between the Earth and Sun

Full MoonFull Moon The Moon is seen entirely.

The light side is facing the Earth

The Earth is between the Moon and Sun

First and Third Quarter MoonFirst and Third Quarter Moon

Can be called a “half” moon

The moon is at a 90º angle to the Earth with respect to the sun

GibbousGibbous More than half of moon is illuminated

CrescentCrescent Less than half of the moon is illuminated

EclipsesEclipses Eclipses occur when the Sun, Earth, and Moon form a straight line.

Solar EclipseSolar Eclipse The Moon is directly in between the Earth and Sun

Solar EclipseSolar Eclipse

Lunar EclipseLunar Eclipse The Earth is directly between the Moon and Sun

Lunar EclipseLunar Eclipse