what is the difference between a waxing crescent and a waning gibbous? A. waxing crescent occurs during the third quarter waning gibbous occurs during the first quarter. B waxing crescent occurs during the fourth quarter waning gibbous occurs during the first quarter. C. waxing crescent occurs during the the second quarter waning gibbous occurs during the third quarter. D waxing crescent occurs during the first quarter waning gibbous occurs during the third quarter.
The correct answer is D. A waxing crescent occurs during the first quarter, while a waning gibbous occurs during the third quarter.
A waxing crescent refers to the moon phase when the illuminated portion of the moon is increasing but less than half. This phase occurs after the new moon and before the first quarter.
A waning gibbous, on the other hand, refers to the moon phase when the illuminated portion of the moon is decreasing but still more than half. This phase occurs after the full moon and before the last quarter.
The correct answer is D. A waxing crescent occurs during the first quarter, while a waning gibbous occurs during the third quarter.
Explanation:
- A waxing crescent moon is visible after the new moon phase and before the first quarter. During this phase, only a small crescent of the moon is illuminated and becoming larger each night.
- A waning gibbous moon is visible after the full moon phase and before the last quarter. During this phase, the moon is larger than a half-moon but smaller than a full moon, and its illuminated portion is decreasing each night.
To determine the difference between a waxing crescent and a waning gibbous, you need to understand the lunar phases and the order in which they occur.
First, it's important to note that the lunar cycle consists of eight phases: New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent.
A waxing crescent is a phase that occurs after the New Moon phase. During this phase, the Moon is illuminated only slightly, forming a crescent shape. The illuminated portion of the Moon is growing larger each day, hence the term "waxing." So, the correct answer should describe when the waxing crescent occurs.
A waning gibbous, on the other hand, is a phase that occurs after the Full Moon phase. During this phase, the Moon is still mostly illuminated but starting to decrease in size. The illuminated portion of the Moon is shrinking each day, hence the term "waning." Again, the answer should correctly identify when the waning gibbous occurs.
Now, let's evaluate the options:
A. Waxing crescent occurs during the third quarter, and waning gibbous occurs during the first quarter. This option is incorrect because the waxing crescent occurs after the New Moon, not the third quarter.
B. Waxing crescent occurs during the fourth quarter, and waning gibbous occurs during the first quarter. This option is incorrect because the waxing crescent occurs after the New Moon, not the fourth quarter.
C. Waxing crescent occurs during the second quarter, and waning gibbous occurs during the third quarter. This option is incorrect because the waning gibbous occurs after the Full Moon, not the third quarter.
D. Waxing crescent occurs during the first quarter, and waning gibbous occurs during the third quarter. This option is correct. The waxing crescent phase does happen after the New Moon (which is the first quarter), and the waning gibbous phase occurs after the Full Moon (which is the third quarter).
Therefore, the correct answer is D: Waxing crescent occurs during the first quarter, and waning gibbous occurs during the third quarter.