During which weeks in the moon's cycle does the moon appear to be getting smaller? A. week 1 and week 4 B. week 2 and week 3 C. week3 and week 4 D. week 1 and week 2
C. week 3 and week 4
During which weeks in the moon's cycle does the moon appear to be getting smaller? The correct answer is C. week 3 and week 4.
To determine during which weeks in the moon's cycle the moon appears to be getting smaller, we need to understand the phases of the moon. The moon goes through a complete cycle approximately every 29.5 days, which is known as a lunar month.
The lunar cycle consists of different phases: new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, third quarter, and waning crescent.
During the first half of the lunar cycle, from the new moon to the full moon, the moon appears to be getting bigger or waxing. This is when the illuminated area of the moon that we can see from Earth is increasing.
On the other hand, during the second half of the lunar cycle, from the full moon to the new moon, the moon appears to be getting smaller or waning. This is when the illuminated area of the moon that we can see from Earth is decreasing.
Based on this information, the correct answer is:
C. week 3 and week 4
During week 3, the moon is in the waning gibbous phase, and during week 4, it is in the third quarter and waning crescent phases.