Vocab
when Earth's rotation axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the Sun
equinox
phases of the Moon during which less of the Moon's near side is lit each nigh
waning phases
What causes day and night on Earth?
Earth's rotation on its axis
What causes the Moon to go through different phases?
The Moon's position relative to the Sun and Earth
During what phase can a lunar eclipse occur?
full moon
when Earth's rotation axis is tilted directly toward or away from the Sun
solstice
an occurrence during which the Moon's shadow appears on Earth's surface
solar eclipse
What keeps Earth in its orbit around the Sun?
The Sun's gravity pulling on the Earth
Why do we always see the same side of the Moon from Earth?
The Moon's rotation and revolution take the same amount of time
During what phase can a solar eclipse occur?
new moon
the line on which an object rotates
rotation axis
an occurrence during which the Earth’s shadow appears on Moon’s surface
lunar eclipse
Why is Earth warmer at the equator than at the poles?
Sunlight is less spread out and more concentrated near the equator
How long does a complete lunar cycle last?
29.5 days
During a solar eclipse, what is the correct alignment?
Sun-Moon-Earth
the lit part of the Moon or a planet that can be seen from Earth
phase
the central, darker part of a shadow where light is totally blocked
umbra
How long does it take Earth to complete one ROTATION?
24 hours
What is the side of the moon that faces the Earth?
near side
During a lunar eclipse, what is the correct alignment?
Sun-Earth-Moon
phases of the Moon during which more of the Moon's near side is lit each night
waxing phase
the path an object follows as it moves around another object
orbit
How long does it take Earth to complete one REVOLUTION around the Sun?
365.24 days
Which moon phase is the moon completely dark?
new moon
If the Moon is in its new moon phase and a solar eclipse is not occurring, explain why.
the Sun-Moon-Earth are not in a straight line due to the Moon's tilted orbit. The shadow of the Moon may be above or below the Earth and not casting onto it