To determine the phase of the Moon based on your description, we need to consider how the Moon is positioned in relation to the Earth and Sun.
- Full Moon: The entire face of the Moon is illuminated, and the Earth is between the Moon and the Sun. You would see the full illuminated side.
- Third Quarter Moon: Half of the Moon is illuminated, and the left side is lit (in the Northern Hemisphere). This occurs when the Moon is three-quarters of the way through its orbit.
- New Moon: The Moon is between the Earth and Sun, and the side facing Earth is dark (not illuminated).
- First Quarter Moon: Half of the Moon is illuminated, and the right side is lit (in the Northern Hemisphere). This occurs when the Moon is one-quarter of the way through its orbit.
Based on your description that the white half of the Moon represents the lit part, if you see a fully illuminated half facing Earth, then the phase of the Moon shown in the model would be a Full Moon.
If it’s just half illuminated (right side lit), then it’s a 1st Quarter moon, and if the left side is lit, then it's a Third Quarter moon. If none of the Moon's face is visible on Earth, then it's a New Moon.
Since you mentioned the entire white half is visible (lit), the answer is Full Moon.
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