Moon Phases
By: Nicole Calleros
Our Views v. Their Views
Astronauts at the ISS (International Space Station) have a different perspective of the moon than we do. We can see the moon only at night when the sun sets. Sometimes if you look closely during the day you can see the moon but not too clear. Astronauts can see different phases every month, day or night. They can see the whole moon unlike us unless there's a full or new moon.
1st and 3rd Quarter
The first quarter and third quarter moons happen when the moon is at a 90 degree angle. We only see half of the moon which is lit with light. Waxing means to get bigger or expanding in illumination. Waning means shrinking or decreasing in illumination. The moon takes about a month to rotate so we only see one side of the moon. During the month we see: A full moon, Waxing Crescent, 1st Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, New moon, Waning Gibbous, 3rd Quarter, and a Waning Crescent.