Google Doodle: Fases Lunares Explicadas
Have you ever noticed the ever-changing shape of the Moon in the night sky? It's a captivating spectacle that has fascinated humanity for millennia. And recently, Google celebrated this celestial phenomenon with a delightful interactive Doodle that showcased the various phases of the Moon.
Understanding the Lunar Phases
The Moon doesn't actually change its shape; its appearance from Earth varies due to the interplay of sunlight and the Moon's position relative to our planet. The Doodle perfectly illustrates this concept, letting you click through the different phases and observe how the illuminated portion of the Moon changes.
Here's a breakdown of the major lunar phases:
1. New Moon: The Moon is positioned between the Sun and Earth, with its dark side facing us. It is invisible to the naked eye.
2. Waxing Crescent: As the Moon begins to move away from the Sun, a sliver of its illuminated surface becomes visible, resembling a crescent shape.
3. First Quarter: Exactly half of the Moon's surface is illuminated, appearing as a half-circle.
4. Waxing Gibbous: The illuminated portion of the Moon continues to grow, now appearing more than half-full.
5. Full Moon: The Moon is opposite the Sun, with its entire face illuminated.
6. Waning Gibbous: The illuminated portion of the Moon starts to shrink, resembling a decreasing gibbous shape.
7. Last Quarter: Again, half of the Moon is illuminated, but now the left side is dark.
8. Waning Crescent: The last sliver of the Moon's illuminated surface is visible before it disappears completely, returning to the New Moon phase.
Why Should We Care About the Moon?
The Moon's phases have been instrumental in the development of human civilization. They were used to track time, plan agricultural activities, and even guide navigation. Today, they continue to inspire artists, poets, and scientists alike.
More Than Just a Pretty Sight
The Google Doodle beautifully captures the dynamic nature of the Moon's phases, serving as a playful and informative tool for learning about this fascinating celestial body. It encourages us to look up at the night sky and appreciate the beauty and wonder of the universe we live in.
So, next time you see the Moon in the sky, remember that it's constantly changing, revealing a different face every night. And don't forget to check out the Google Doodle to learn more about this celestial dance.