Local lunar records indicate that on July 10th- 12th a certain percent of the moon was visible:
July 10th - 97%
July 11th - 92%
July 12th - 85%
Based on this data, what part of the lunar cycle occurred between July 10th and 12th?
A. Waxing Gibbous
B. Waning Gibbous
C. Waxing Crescent
D. Waning Crescent
B. Waning Gibbous
To determine the part of the lunar cycle that occurred between July 10th and 12th, we need to analyze the percentage of the moon that was visible on these dates.
A waxing phase occurs when the illuminated portion of the moon is increasing, while a waning phase occurs when the illuminated portion is decreasing.
Looking at the data, we can observe that the percentage of the moon visible decreased from 97% on July 10th to 92% on July 11th and further decreased to 85% on July 12th. This indicates a decreasing trend, which means the illuminated portion of the moon was decreasing.
From the answer choices provided, we can conclude that the correct option is D. Waning Crescent, as it represents the phase where the illuminated portion of the moon is decreasing and less than half is visible.
To determine the part of the lunar cycle that occurred between July 10th and 12th, we can analyze the given percentages of the moon that were visible on each day.
A waxing gibbous lunar phase occurs after the first quarter moon and before the full moon. During this phase, the amount of the moon visible increases each day.
A waning gibbous lunar phase occurs after the full moon and before the last quarter moon. During this phase, the amount of the moon visible decreases each day.
A waxing crescent lunar phase occurs after the new moon and before the first quarter moon. During this phase, the amount of the moon visible increases each day.
A waning crescent lunar phase occurs after the last quarter moon and before the new moon. During this phase, the amount of the moon visible decreases each day.
Based on the data provided:
- On July 10th, 97% of the moon was visible. This rules out waning crescent because it has a lower percentage of the moon visible.
- On July 11th, 92% of the moon was visible. This still rules out waning crescent because it has a lower percentage of the moon visible.
- On July 12th, 85% of the moon was visible. This suggests a decrease in the visibility of the moon compared to the previous days.
Therefore, the part of the lunar cycle that occurred between July 10th and 12th is B. Waning Gibbous, where the visibility of the moon decreases each day.