The Moon's Amazing Phases!

For kids

The Moon changes shape in the sky, and you can see different phases throughout the month! Let's explore why this happens and what causes those cool changes.

What Causes the Moon's Phases?

The Moon doesn't make its own light! Instead, we see the Moon because it reflects sunlight. As the Moon orbits (goes around) the Earth, we see different amounts of the sunlit part of the Moon. That's what creates the phases.

The Phases of the Moon

Here's a quick guide to the main Moon phases. Each phase lasts for a few days:

• New Moon: The Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, so the side facing us is not lit. We can't see the New Moon.
• Waxing Crescent: A tiny sliver of the Moon becomes visible. "Waxing" means it's growing.
• First Quarter: We see half of the Moon lit up.
• Waxing Gibbous: More than half of the Moon is lit, and it's still growing.
• Full Moon: The entire side of the Moon facing Earth is lit up.
• Waning Gibbous: More than half of the Moon is lit, but now it's shrinking ("waning").
• Third Quarter: We see half of the Moon lit up again, but the opposite side from the First Quarter.
• Waning Crescent: A tiny sliver of the Moon is left, and it's getting smaller.

Try This: Moon Phase Chart

It's fun to track the Moon's phases! For one month, go outside at night and draw what the Moon looks like. Here's what you'll need:

• Paper
• Pencil or pen
• A clear view of the sky at night!

Steps:

1. Every night, look at the Moon.
2. Draw what you see on your paper. Try to get the shape right!
3. Write the date next to your drawing.
4. After a month, look at your chart. Can you see the different phases?

Why This Works

By observing the Moon each night, you'll see how the amount of sunlight we see on the Moon's surface changes over time. Tracking the phases helps you understand the Moon's orbit around Earth and how the Sun's light creates the different shapes we see.

Enjoy exploring the amazing phases of the Moon! Keep looking up at the night sky!