THE
MOON
CYCLE
Illumination :
Next full moon :
Distance to earth :
Lunar Phase
The lunar phases are the different appearances of the Moon as seen from Earth over a cycle of approximately 29.5 days. They are caused by the relative positions of the Moon, Earth, and the Sun. The Moon does not change shape; only the portion illuminated by the Sun and visible from Earth varies, moving from the new moon to the full moon, then gradually returning to darkness.
Tides
Tides are the periodic rise and fall of ocean levels caused primarily by the gravitational pull of the Moon, and to a lesser extent by the Sun. The Moon's gravity draws ocean water toward it, creating a bulge on the side of Earth facing the Moon. A second bulge forms on the opposite side due to the dynamics of the Earth-Moon system.
As Earth rotates, coastal regions move through these areas of higher and lower water levels, typically experiencing two high tides and two low tides each day. The intensity of tides varies depending on the alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon, becoming stronger during full and new moons.
