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The Moon

Physics: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 6.1.2

The Moon

Basic facts

Basic facts

  • The Moon orbits the Earth.
  • One full orbit takes about one month (about 27–29 days).
Moon phases

Moon phases

  • As the Moon orbits, we see different parts of its lit-up surface from Earth.
  • This makes the cycle of phases:
  • New Moon
  • Crescent
  • Quarter
  • Gibbous
  • Full Moon
Moon cycle

Moon cycle

  • The phases repeat in the same order every month.
  • This repeating pattern is called the lunar cycle.

Test yourself on The Moon

  • How long does it take the Moon to complete one orbit of the Earth?

  • What causes the cycle of Moon phases seen from Earth?

  • Why do the Moon’s phases follow a repeating pattern?

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