We have all stood outside on a cloudless night and look up at the stars. Of course the object that stands out the most is the moon. Since the dawn of man the moon has drawn many reactions and beliefs. Religions, scientific theories, superstitions, and political agendas have been derived from the moon. One thing that has fascinated us is the "shadows" that seem to fall on the moon. These shadows are assumed by most to be the earth blocking the sun's rays on the moon. This is in reality a false assumption except in certain situations.

The Earth and moon cast their shadows into space. We see the different stages of the moon because of the position of the Earth and the Sun. The angle in which the light hits the moon determines how we view the moon. The exception to this case is during a lunar eclipse. A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth gets in between the Sun and the moon. This can only happen during a "full moon". The other eclipse is a solar eclipse when the moon gets between the Sun and the Earth. This can only happen during a "new moon".

Now that we know what it is that causes the darkening of the moon we can take a look at the different phases of the moon. Some things that we must know is that the distance between the Earth and the moon is on average 248,000 miles away. More precisely the distance when the moon is closer to the Earth is 225,740 miles, and the farthest is 251,970 miles away. This of course is due to the orbit of the moon which is oval shaped like the Earth's orbit. The Earth completes one rotation every 24 hours compared to the moon which take 29.5 days.

The moon has 4 distinct phases which each takes around 7 days;

1. New moon
2. First Quarter
3. Full moon
4. Last Quarter

During these phases the moon goes through a cycle that we can all watch and chart. Many free charts and calendars are online and available through many site. N.A.S.A. along with other private research facilities have basic and advanced charts and calendars which are free to the public to download or maintain on thier sites.

During this cycle or rotation the moon starts off dark, or new moon. This is day one. On day 3 the moon becomes a "waxing cresent" moon. Waxing is a term used to describe the moon when more and more can be seen. This period the visible or shiny part of the moon looks like a finger nail. Hence the term cresent. Moving into day 7 the moon turns to it's first quarter, or half moon. Following this stage and moving into day 11 the moon turns to a waxing gibbous moon. This is the point were the moon has the "thumbnail" darkening and is mostly exposed. On day 14 the moon is full. After the moon reaches it's full phase the processed is reversed and becomes "waning". Waning is a term used to describe the moon as it grows darker. This process starts and on day 17 the moon becomes a waning gibbous moon. Day 21 leads us to the third quarter or half moon again. Moving into day 24 the moon becomes a waning cresent moon. After this process the moon becomes new and we start all over.

The moon is a fascinating object in the sky that has dramatic results on our planet and it's inhabitants. Including man! The moon has effects over the tides as well as animals. In a report on the M.S.N.B.C. website, a full moon causes animals especially a bird known as the streaked shearwater to react and behave differently than at other stages. The moon causes excitability in the birds and prolonged flights in the air, hunting, and mating. The only problem with that for the birds is that the moon enhances the other animals activities including their natural enemy the shark. In the Journal of Animal Behavior and a study by Japan's National Institute of Polar Research, animals may bite or exhibit other abnormal behavior during a full moon. This has caused specualtion if that is how werewolf stories may have derived.

The moon is not only beautiful and intriging but is also a vital part of our planet. Giving all the facts and theories that surround the moon would take up a book and a lifetime of study. At least we can enjoy the beauty and understand some of what we all look up too.

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References:

N.A.S.A.:contibutor-Spudis, Paul D. "Moon." World Book Online Reference Center. 2004. World Book, Inc. (http://www.worldbookonline.com/wb/Article?id=ar370060.)

M.S.N.B.C.: story by Jennifer Viegas of the Discovery Channel

"Earth and Space" by PaRRagon, 2007. written by Anita Ganeri, John Malam, Clare Oliver, and Adam Hibbert