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Phases of the Moon: As the Moon orbits Earth, the visible part of the Moon transitions through various phases, including new moon, crescent, quarter, gibbous, and full moon. This change is due to the positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun relative to each other, affecting how much sunlight illuminates the Moon’s surface as seen from Earth.
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Illumination Angle: The illuminated portion of the Moon appears to change shape based on its position in the orbit. When the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun (new moon), it is not illuminated from our perspective. As it moves away from this position, we first see a crescent shape, which then increases in visibility to a half moon (first quarter) and eventually to a fully illuminated moon (full moon) when it is opposite the Sun. As it continues past the full moon, the process reverses, with the visible part diminishing back to a crescent before returning to a new moon.
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Size of the Illuminated Portion: The size of the illuminated portion cycling from a thin crescent to a full circle signifies the Moon's changing orientation relative to the Earth and the Sun. During the waxing phases (from new moon to full moon), the illuminated area increases, while during the waning phases (from full moon back to new moon), the illuminated area decreases.
Record 2-3 general observations below (1 point)
As you move the Moon along its orbit around the Earth in the simulator, what changes do you notice in the visible part of the Moon? Describe how the shape of the illuminated part of the Moon changes as it moves
1 answer