Question

where is the moon located in relation to earth and the sun when it is a first - quarter moon? (1 point)
o between earth and the sun
o behind the sun and away from earth
o perpendicular to earth and the sun
o behind earth and away from the sun

Explanation:

To determine the moon's position during a first - quarter moon, we recall the lunar phase geometry. In the first - quarter moon phase, the moon has completed about a quarter of its orbit around the Earth. The Earth - moon - sun angle is approximately 90 degrees. So the moon is perpendicular to the line connecting the Earth and the sun.

• The option "between Earth and the sun" is the position of the new moon.
• "behind the sun and away from Earth" is not a valid position for the first - quarter moon.
• "behind Earth and away from the sun" is the position of the full moon.

Answer:

C. perpendicular to Earth and the sun