This change in the illuminated surface of the Moon is called the lunar cycle. This cycle has eight different phas-. Apollo 11âJuly 20, 1969. First M...
Lunar Phases A Lunar month takes 29.5 days to complete from New Moon to New Moon. The Moon’s orbit around the Earth takes 27.5 days to complete.
Moon Phases and Tides
Lunar Eclipse may occur during some Full Moon Phases
The Moon rotates on it’s axis at the same rate that it revolves around the Earth in it’s orbit. Tidal forces from the Earth pull on the Moon so that the same side of the Moon is always facing Earth. Earth only sees one side of the Moon, but all of the Moon’s surface receives solar radiation during a lunar month so there really is no “dark side” of the Moon, only the far side of the Moon that Earth does not get to see. Time for Lunar Orbit = 27.5 days Time for Lunar Cycle (phases) = 29.5 days Apollo 11—July 20, 1969 First Moon Landing
Full Solar Eclipse occurs sometimes during a New Moon
Why do we see phases of the Moon? The Sun illuminates the Moon’s surface as the Moon revolves around the Earth. This change in the illuminated surface of the Moon is called the lunar cycle. This cycle has eight different phas-
Moon Phase Diagram
Tides Tides occur when two bulges of water form in Earth’s oceans on opposite sides of the planet. The Moon’s gravitational force pulls and creates one bulge of water and the Earth’s rotation on it’s axis (centrifugal force) pushes the bulge on the opposite side. High tides is when the sea level reaches its highest level. This is the large bulge of water. Low tide when the sea level reaches its lowest level. This is the place on Earth without the tidal bulge. The Sun’s gravitational pull also causes tidal forces, but they are less powerful than the Moon’s . Spring Tides occur when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are in alignment. The highest high and lowest low tides occur during this arrangement when there is a New or Full Moon. Neap Tides occur when the Moon to Earth angle is 90° or perpendicular. During this time (mostly at First and Last Quarter Moons) tides are not as extreme as during Spring Tides.
Tide Chart for Galveston Texas How many high and low tides occur during one 24 hour period? This changes due to the geographic location of the coastline.
