This image and more information on the craters of the moon can be found at http://www.moon-phases.com/map-of-the-moon/moon-map-g5.html, a link that originates from The Solar System in Pictures by Alwyn Botha from South Africa. Return to the table of contents.

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Contrary to popular belief, the moon does not actually change shape.  It appears to do so because of light reflected from the sun.   The Moon's phases (as seen from Earth) are illustrated in the diagram below.   The sun's rays are on the right side of the diagram.

Phase Terminology

The following definitions are quoted directly from Chapter 12: The Moon, p. 69.

Phases: "a systematic change in the percent of the lighted side of a moon or planet visible at any one time." There are eight phases of the moon.

Different Phases: "depends on the location of the Moon or Earth with respect to the sun."

New Moon: "a lunar cycle begins with a new moon."

New Crescent: "appears low in the west after sunset.

First Quarter: "half circle visible from noon until midnight."

New Gibbous: nearly complete disk appearing to rise from the horizon around 3 pm.

Full Moon: "the complete disk can be seen rising in the east as the sun sets in the west."

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Water on the Moon

The Moon has no atmosphere, but evidence from Clementine (most recent exploration studies) suggests that there may be water ice in some deep craters near the south pole   (http://www.seds.org/nineplanets/nineplanets/luna.html).

"'The data strongly suggests the presence of ice,' U.S. Air Force Colonel Pedro Rustan stated.  While careful not to disclose specifics of any Clementine water ice observations, Eugene Shoemaker-scientist emeritus with the U.S. Geological Survey, said finding such a reservoir (of water) would open the door for utilizing the moon as a stepping stone for deeper space exploration.  He believes that if this water ice can be extracted, the moon could be used  as a base.  Furthermore, by hydrolozing water, scientists can make rocket fuel!  Just think of the implications of turning the moon into a refueling base." (http://www.ae.utexas.edu/~tsgc/info/lunarice.html, Space News)

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In conclusion, the moon is a beautiful part of our world.  Now you know a little more about it. Next time you gaze up at the moon, you will have a better appreciation and understanding for it.  In order to receive up-to-date weather and moon phase information for Emporia, Kansas, USA, visit http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Emporia%2C+KS+66801.

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