Content code
s1801
Slug (identifier)
the-moon-phases-elementary
Parent content
Grades
Grade 3
Grade 4
Equivalent file in the opposite grade group
Topic
Science and Technology
Tags
lunar phase
dark side of the Moon
crescent moon
quarter moon
Content
Contenu
Title (level 3)
What Are The Moon Phases?
Title slug (identifier)
what-are-moon-phases
Content
Corps

The Moon phases are the different appearances of the Moon as seen from Earth.

Corps

There are 8 Moon phases.

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Image
The Moon phases are: new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, last quarter and waning crescent.
Description

From new moon to full moon, the Moon is more visible in the sky with the illuminated part appearing to grow larger.

From full moon to new moon, the Moon is less visible in the sky with the illuminated part appearing to become smaller.

A few days after the waning crescent phase, the lunar cycle comes to an end. A new cycle begins with the new moon.

Contenu
Title
How Can You Tell the Difference Between the First and Last Quarters?
Content
Content
Corps

In Quebec, you can use the phrase “White on right, getting bright” to remember that the first quarter moon is illuminated on the right side.

Image
During the first quarter, only the right side of the Moon is illuminated. To remember, you can say “white on the right, getting bright.”
Title (level 3)
Why Does the Moon Change in Appearance?
Title slug (identifier)
why-does-the-moon-change-in-appearance
Corps

Even though it doesn’t look like it, the Moon always stays the same shape. Certain parts of the Moon even seem to light up at night but they are actually just reflecting sunlight.

From Earth, the Moon’s appearance changes depending on where it is in relation to the Earth and the Sun; it’s all a matter of point of view.

Content
Corps

In the following image, you can see 2 astronauts. They are positioned differently with respect to the Moon. Since they don’t have the same point of view, they don’t see the same thing.

Image
Two astronauts on either side of the Moon. Half of the Moon is illuminated by the Sun, and the other half is in shadow.
Description

The astronaut to the left of the Moon sees only the part illuminated by the Sun. The astronaut to the right of the Moon sees only the part in shadow. In both cases, the Moon stays the same. It’s just the point of view that changes.

This image is not to scale. Real astronauts are much smaller than the Moon.

Content
Corps

As the Moon orbits the Earth, your point of view changes. This is the reason why you can see the different phases of the Moon.

Title
Les phases de la Lune
Title (level 2)
Exercise
Title slug (identifier)
exercise
Contenu
Largeur de l'exercice
720
Hauteur de l'exercice
720
Title (level 2)
See Also
Title slug (identifier)
see-also
Contenu
Links
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