Question

Identify the phases of the moon if at sunset in the northern hemisphere the moon were in each of the following positions.

(a) near the eastern horizon
(b) high in the south
(c) in the southeast
(d) in the southwest

Answer 1

The moon phases in different positions in the northern hemisphere at sunset depend on the extent of its illuminated side.

Step-by-step explanation:

The phases of the moon depend on its position relative to the sun and Earth. So, if at sunset in the northern hemisphere the moon were in each of the following positions:

1. Near the eastern horizon: This would correspond to a Waxing Crescent phase, where a small portion of the right side of the moon is visible.
2. High in the south: This would correspond to a First Quarter phase, where half of the moon's illuminated side is visible.
3. In the southeast: This would correspond to a Waxing Gibbous phase, where more than half but not all of the moon's illuminated side is visible.
4. In the southwest: This would correspond to a Waning Gibbous phase, where more than half but not all of the moon's illuminated side is visible.