KIDS TRIVIA

Detailed explanation-1: -The Moon takes 27.3 days to orbit Earth, but the lunar phase cycle (from new Moon to new Moon) is 29.5 days. The Moon spends the extra 2.2 days “catching up” because Earth travels about 45 million miles around the Sun during the time the Moon completes one orbit around Earth.

Detailed explanation-2: -These eight phases are, in order, new Moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full Moon, waning gibbous, third quarter and waning crescent. The cycle repeats once a month (every 29.5 days).

Detailed explanation-3: -Moon fact: The Moon’s phases repeat every 29.5 days, but it’s orbit around the Earth only takes 27. Why? In that time, as our Moon moves around Earth, the Earth also moves around the Sun. Our Moon must travel a little farther in its path to make up for the added distance and complete its phase cycle.

Detailed explanation-4: -First Quarter Moon (Half Moon) During a first-quarter moon, the moon is farther away from the sun and it’s easier to see. This is the first time that the day-night line on the moon is halfway lit up. But it’s called a “first-quarter” moon because it’s 1/4 of the way through its cycle back to a new moon.