Exploring Moon Phases: Earth's Lunar Dance

1. LEQ: What phenomena do we experience on the Earth due to the motions of the Moon? Part 1 Phases of the Moon Key Terms: phases, waxing, waning

2. Phases of the Moon • Open your Astronomy and Space Sciences textbook to page 22. • The moon does not shine with its own light. • It reflects light from the sun.

3. Phases of the Moon • The video clip on the right shows one cycle of the Phases of the Moon we view from Earth. • As the Moon revolves around Earth, notice the amount of the Moon’s disk illuminated by the Sun we see from Earth changes (increases (waxes) and decreases (wanes)). • Also note that different parts of the Moon’s surface are illuminated as the Moon cycles through its phases. • The terminating line between the illuminated and non illuminated areas is curved but basically vertical.

4. Phases of the Moon • The Moon goes through its whole set of phases each time it revolves around the Earth. • The Phases of the Moon are always in the same order or sequence. • The sequence is cyclical (like the days of the week) and repeats itself. • Each of the Phases of the Moon are named. • Click on and view the animation below: • Phases of the Moon Animation

5. Moon Phase Web Quest • Turn in your notes sheet when complete. • Pick up a copy of the Phases of the Moon Web Quest packet. • Go On to the Phases of the Moon WebQuest.