Look up into the night sky on a clear night. You’ll probably see stars. But the biggest and brightest object will be the moon. It’s the easiest thing to find in the dark night sky. You may see a full moon, a half moon or a crescent moon. When it’s time for a new moon, you see no moon at all. A new moon happens when no sunlight hits the moon. The moon has no light of its own. It reflects light from the sun.

Conversation A

(in the office)

Tina:    There will be a full moon this evening, Greg. You’ll have to go outside and see it.

Greg:   I’d like to. But we won’t see the moon tonight.

Tina:    Why not? The moon will be the brightest object in the sky.

Greg:   I know. But it will be cloudy tonight. It’s going to rain.

Tina:    Oh, that’s too bad! The moon is so beautiful when it’s full.

Conversation B

Greg:   The moon reflects sunlight! Did you know that?

Tina:    Yes! So we won’t be able to see the moon at all tonight?

Greg:   No. We need a clear night.

Tina:    Oh.

Greg:   You’ll probably see a crescent moon one of these nights.

Tina:    I hope so. The moon is so pretty.

Greg:   The stars are, too.

Tina:    Yes. I like looking at the night sky.

Questions

1. Why can’t they see the full moon tonight?

2. Would you like to visit the moon? Why or why not?