Question

1. during what moon phase can a solar eclipses occur
2. what moon phase can a lunar eclipse occur
3. be able to explain the two main causes for the moon phases
4. know what the moon phase terms waxing and waning mean

Explanation:

1. A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, blocking the Sun's light. This alignment happens during the new - moon phase when the Moon is positioned between the Sun and Earth.
2. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon. This alignment takes place during the full - moon phase when the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon.
3. The two main causes of moon phases are the relative positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon and the fact that the Moon is illuminated by the Sun. As the Moon orbits the Earth, the portion of the Moon that is illuminated by the Sun and visible from Earth changes.
4. Waxing refers to the period when the illuminated portion of the Moon as seen from Earth is increasing, starting from the new - moon phase and progressing towards the full - moon phase. Waning refers to the period when the illuminated portion of the Moon as seen from Earth is decreasing, starting from the full - moon phase and progressing towards the new - moon phase.

Answer:

1. New - moon phase
2. Full - moon phase
3. Relative positions of Sun, Earth, Moon; Moon's illumination by the Sun
4. Waxing: Illuminated portion increasing; Waning: Illuminated portion decreasing