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    Home » What causes the phases of the moon?

    What causes the phases of the moon?

    July 6, 2019 By Emma Vanstone Leave a Comment

    You’ve probably noticed that the moon seems to change shape over time. This is because the sun only lights up one side of the moon, the other side is dark. As the moon orbits the Earth different parts of it are lit, which is why it seems to change shape. These different shapes are known as phases of the moon.

    Image of the moon

    The moon itself doesn’t emit any light, what we’re actually seeing is sunlight reflected off the moon. When we see the whole of the moon, this is called a full moon, when none of the moon is lit up this is a new moon. As we start to see more of the moon after a new moon, this is called waxing. As we see less of the moon after a full moon, we say the moon is waning.

    The moon takes 27.32 days to orbit the Earth and in that time we see all the phases of the moon. New Moon to New Moon is 29.5 days.

    Phases of the Moon shown with the Earth in the middle
    Phases of the Moon Diagram

    Phases of the Moon Activity Ideas

    Chalk Academy has some lovely moon phase water colour paintings.

    A popular way to demonstrate moon phases is with oreos.

    This moon phase learning toy from Happy Tots Shelf is just genius.

    These moon phase cupcakes were made using chocolate cupcakes and ready to roll icing. The first and third quarter should have been a bit neater, but for a first try they worked pretty well!

    moon phase cupcakes

    What is the lunar calendar?

    The lunar calendar uses the phases of the moon to measure time, whereas the solar calendar uses the orbit of the Earth around the sun. A lunar month is shorter than a solar month and so the lunar calendar doesn’t fit our traditional year, leaving us 12 days short.

    Why do you never see the far side of the Moon?

    Only one side of the Moon can be seen from Earth as the Moon rotates at the same rate that it orbits the Earth, this is called tidal locking.

    Activities for learning about the moon

    One fun way to really learn about the phases of the moon is to keep a moon phase log over a few weeks and watch how the shape of the moon changes.

    Make a note of the date, time and sky condition and sketch how the moon looks each day. Try to make your observations at a similar time.

    Moon phase log book
    Moon Phase Log Book

    Find out how craters are formed by dropping marbles into flour and cocoa powder.

    Do you know what a moonquake is?

    Did you know rainbows form on the moon?

    I have lots of other easy space science experiments you might like too!

    Image of film canister rockets, a bottle rocket and a space sensory tray

    Science Concepts

    • Moon phases
    • Space
    • Lunar Calendar
    What causes the phases of the moon? What's a lunar year? Why do we only see one side of the moon? Find out with these fun activities.

    Last Updated on May 24, 2022 by Emma Vanstone

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    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

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