Phases Of The Moon
16/8/24
The Moon is the brightest natural satellite easily identifiable in
the night sky.
If the Moon is observed carefully, the shape of the Moon differs
on different nights.
The Moon does not emit light, but reflects the light of the Sun to
reach our eyes.
Like the Earth, the Moon rotates on its axis and at the same
time revolves according to its orbit around the Earth.
The moon rotates on its axis in 27 1/3 days from West to East,
orbiting the Earth also in 27 1/3 days from West to East.
Phases Of The Moon
The duration of the revolution and rotation of the Moon are the same, causing us
to always see the same surface of the Moon.
As the Moon orbits the Earth, we will see different parts of the Moon illuminated
by the light of the Sun.
The Moon's orbiting around the Earth causes the visible shapes of the Moon to
change.
The different shapes of the Moon are known as the Phases of the Moon.
New Moon - the dark part of the Moon faces the Earth
Crescent - A small part of the moon's surface is sunlit and faces the Earth
Half-moon - Half part of the moon's surface is sunlit and faces the Earth
Gibbous - Most of the moon's surface is sunlit and faces the Earth
Full moon - The entire surface of the moon illuminated by the light of the Sun faces the Earth
Gibbous - Most of the moon's surface is sunlit and faces the Earth
Half-moon - Half part of the moon's surface is sunlit and faces the Earth
Crescent - A small part of the moon's surface is sunlit and faces the Earth
Lunar calendar
The calendar we use is the AD Calendar which shows the position of the Earth during its orbit around
the Sun.
The calendar constructed based on the phases of the Moon is known as the Lunar Calendar.
This calendar is the Islamic Lunar calendar known as Hijri Calendar.
Lunar Days Phase of Moon
New Moon
1, 2
Crescent
3, 4, 5, 6
Half-moon
7, 8, 9, 10
Gibbous
11, 12, 13,
Full moon
14, 15, 16
Gibbous
17, 18, 19, 20
Half-moon
21, 22, 23, 24
Crescent
25, 26, 27, 28
29, 30 New Moon
Constellations
Constellations are clusters of stars that appear to form a specific pattern in the night
sky.
Not all constellations can be seen from all locations on Earth.
Some constellations can be seen in the northern hemisphere, some in the southern
hemisphere, and some can be seen between the northern hemisphere and the
southern hemisphere.
Big Dipper/Ursa Major
Resembles a dipper/spoon
Formed from a cluster of seven stars
Can be seen in the northern hemisphere
Indicates the north
Can be seen between April to June
Around 8pm to 10pm
Cross/Crux
The smallest constellation
Consists of a cluster of four stars
Form a kite/crucifix pattern
Indicates the south
Can be seen in the southern hemisphere
Can be seen between April to June
Around 8pm to 10pm
Orion
Form a pattern like a hunter wearing a belt and holding a weapon
Indicates the north
Can be seen in the northern hemisphere & southern hemisphere
Can be seen between December to February
Around 8pm to 10pm.
Scorpio
Consists of star clusters that form a scorpion-like pattern
Can be seen in the southern hemisphere
Can be seen between Jun to August
Around 8pm to 10pm
Uses of constellations
Sailors and travelers use constellations to show directions
.
Farmers use constellations to mark the arrival of the planting and harvesting seasons.
Astronomers use constellations to study stars.
