Question

Although half of the moon is always illuminated, usually only a portion of the illuminated side is visible from Earth. The diagram below presents the relative positions of Earth, the sun, and the moon. The positions of the moon are labeled 1-8. Which of the moons in the figure are in a crescent phase? (1 point) Responses 2 and 4 2 and 4 2 and 8 2 and 8 4 and 6 4 and 6 6 and 8

Answer 1

In the context of moon phases, a crescent moon occurs when less than half of the moon's illuminated side is visible from Earth.

From the positions provided:

• Position 2: A crescent moon (illuminated portion is visible and less than half).
• Position 4: A crescent moon (similar reasoning as position 2).
• Position 6: Typically a gibbous moon (more than half illuminated).
• Position 8: A gibbous moon (more than half illuminated).

Based on this, the correct response would be 2 and 4 as the positions that indicate a crescent phase.