Celestial Objects
Is the Sun a star or a planet? Explain why.
A star. It produces its own light and heat.
Specifically how many days does it take for the Moon to complete one orbit around the Earth?
29.5 days
Identify the specific motion of the Earth that explains why day and night occur.
The Earth is spinning (rotating) on its axis.
What is the specific term for a group of stars that forms a distinct pattern in the night sky?
a constellation
What does it mean when the Moon is described as "waxing"?
The bright (illuminated) part of the Moon is growing.
During a Lunar Eclipse, what is the Earth casting its shadow onto?
The Moon
What does the term "terrestrial" mean when describing planets like Earth or Mars?
It means they are made of rock.
What force creates tides on Earth?
The Moon's gravitational force
In the model showing the torch and the tilted globe, if Perth is facing the light but has rotated past the beam's direct centre of the beam, what time of day is it?
Afternoon
How many stars are estimated to be in the Milky Way galaxy?
Over 100 billion stars
Where do "low tides" occur in relation to the high tide bulges created by the Moon?
In the areas between the bulges where water is being pulled away.
Which specific season contains the "longest day" of the year due to a solstice?
Summer
Define the term "natural satellite" and give one example found in our Solar System.
Any natural object that orbits a planet or a star; examples include the Moon or the Earth.
How many high tides does a coastal location typically experience every 24 hours?
Explain why a solar eclipse only prevents sunlight from reaching certain parts of the Earth rather than the whole planet at once.
Because the Moon's shadow is relatively small and only falls on a specific area of the Earth's surface.