What would you predict the next moon phase to look like after the Crescent Moon above?
Question 1
1.
Question 2
2.
Question 3
3.
From a top view as shown above, how much of the moon is illuminated in a normal moon cycle?
Due to the fact that the Moon moves in an unpredictable pattern I do not have enough information to answer this.
Half of the Moon is always illuminated, the amount of light we see on Earth depends on where it is located around the Earth
Half of the Moon is almost always illuminated, the amount of light we see on Earth depends on where it is located around the Earth. However in a perfect Sun, Earth, Moon alignment the moon may be dark.
The Moon always appears light because it is reflecting light from the Sun.
The diagrams above show Earth and the Moon in different positions, as seen from above (top view). Sunlight is coming from the left, but these diagrams do not show what parts of Earth or the Moon are light or dark.
Could the half of the Moon that faces Earth ever be completely dark in any of these diagrams?
No, the Moon is always lit by the sun.
Yes, always in Diagrams 2 and 3, but never in Diagram 1.
Yes, always in Diagram 2, but never in Diagrams 1 or 3.
Yes, always in Diagram 2 and sometimes in Diagram 3.
Which Moon position, A or B is located closest to the Sun?
Position A and Position B are located the same distance from the Sun
Position A is located closer to the Sun which is why it appears darker
Position A is located farther from the Sun which is why it appears brighter
The Moon patterns are unpredictable so you cannot determine the amount of light on the Moon.
