phases of the moon

• 1. Phases of the Moon

2. The Earths Moon The Earths moon is a natural satellite. Although it appears bright, the moon does not actually produce its own light. Instead, it reflects the suns rays which makes it visible. 3. Phases on the Moon The moon is in a constant rotation around the Earth. As it revolves, the angle at which the Suns rays reflect off of its surface changes what is visible to us. The entire cycle of moon phases takes about one month to complete. 4. New Moon The moon is not visible in the sky. Except during a solar eclipse. In the picture below there appears to no moon, however, the moon is simple not being laminated by the suns rays. 5. Waxing Crescent The moon is less than one-half illuminated by the sun but less than one quarter illuminated. Occurs when the moon's illumination is increasing 6. First Quarter The moon is one-half illuminated by the sun. Occurs when the moon's illumination is increasing 7. Waxing Gibbous The moon is more than one-half illuminated by the sun but not completely illuminated. Occurs when the moon's illumination is increasing 8. Full Moon The moon is totally visible in the sky. Except during a lunar eclipse 9. Wanning Gibbous The moon is more than one-half illuminated by the sun but not completely illuminated. Occurs when the moon's illumination is decreasing 10. Third Quarter The moon is one-half illuminated by the sun. Occurs when the moon's illumination is decreasing 11. Waning Crescent The moon is less than one-half illuminated by the sun but less than one quarter illuminated. Occurs when the moon's illumination is decreasing 12. Full Cycle 13. Summary The moon constantly revolves around the sunIt does not produce its own light and is only visible because it reflects the light from the sun.The moon completes a cycle of 8 phasesThe full cycle takes approximately one month 14. View of the Moon 15. References "Moon Information Resource And Guide." Moon Information Resource And Guide. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Nov. 2013. .