The Sun
What is the sun?
The Sun is a star that produces light and is the closest star to Earth.
What is a galaxy?
A galaxy is a system of stars, gas, dust, and objects orbiting those stars.
How long does it take for Earth to revolve around the Sun?
Approximately 365 days.
Why do stars appear to move across the sky?
Due to the rotation of Earth.
What is a phase of the Moon?
What are the major characteristics of planets?
Nearly round/spherical, rotate on their axis, revolve around a star, and have mass.
Why does the Sun appear the largest in the sky?
Because it is the closest star to Earth.
Name one component of a galaxy.
Gas, dust, stars, planets, moons, asteroids, or comets.
How does Earth's rotation affect the Sun’s motion?
It causes the Sun to appear to rise in the East and set in the West.
How do star patterns stay the same?
They appear to "move" together with Earth’s rotation.
How does the Moon shine at night?
The Moon reflects the Sun's light.
Name the four inner planets.
Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars.
How does the Sun differ from other stars?
The Sun is a medium-sized star that appears larger and brighter because it is closest to Earth.
What is our home galaxy called?
The Milky Way
How long does it take for Earth to rotate on its axis?
About 24 hours.
What causes different star patterns in different seasons?
Earth’s revolution around the Sun.
Name the four major phases of the moon in order.
New Moon, First Quarter, Full Moon, Third Quarter.
Compare inner and outer planets.
(Answers may vary.) Example: Inner planets are smaller and hotter; outer planets are larger and colder.
What are stars made of?
Stars are made of gases.
What shape is the Milky Way?
A spiral shape.
What direction do the Sun and Moon rise?
They rise in the East.
What is the effect of Earth's revolution on visible stars?
Different stars can be seen at different times of the year.
What is the duration of a Moon cycle?
About 28 days or 1 month.
What are outer planets made of?
Gas.
How do stars emit energy?
Stars emit energy in the form of light and other types of energy.
What orbits the stars in a galaxy?
Objects like planets, moons, asteroids, and comets.
What is the difference between rotation and revolution?
Rotation is the spinning of Earth on its axis, while revolution is the orbit around the Sun.
Why can we see different stars at night?
Because of Earth's position in its orbit around the Sun.
How does the Moon’s position affect its phases?
Its position around Earth determines how much of the lit side is visible.
How many major planets are there?
Eight major planets.