Moon Phases
What causes the different phases of the moon?
The Moon's phases are caused by the changing positions of the Moon, Earth, and Sun, which affect how much of the Moon is illuminated from our view.
What are the two main types of Eclipse?
Solar Eclipse and Lunar Eclipse
What makes the sky blue during the day?
Scattering of blue light from sunlight in the atmosphere.
What force keeps Earth in orbit around the Sun?
Gravity
What is a shadow?
A dark area created when something blocks light.
What phase is the moon in when it is completely dark from Earth?
New Moon
What phase is the moon in during a SOLAR eclipse?
New Moon
Why does the sun look red at sunrise or sunset?
Which phase of the moon is sometimes called the "half-moon"?
First or Third Quarter
When are shadows the longest during the day? (Hint: think about the Sun's elevation)
Early morning and late afternoon
How long is one full moon cycle?
About 29.5 days (One month is an acceptable answer)
Why don't we have a lunar eclipse every full moon?
What causes a lunar eclipse to appear red?
Earth's atmosphere refracts and scatters sunlight so that only red wavelengths reach the Moon.
How many times larger is the Sun than the Moon?
Why do shadows change throughout the day?
Angle of the sun in the sky.
What phase comes AFTER a waxing crescent?
First Quarter
What is the difference between a partial and total eclipse?
What phenomenon causes a rainbow?
What is the name of the line that divides the Northern and Southern hemisphere?
The equator
What happens to a shadow if the light source is closer to the object?
It becomes larger.
Why do we always see the same side of the moon?
The moon's rotation period perfectly matches its orbit around Earth.
What is the term for the darkest part of an eclipse's shadow?
The Umbra
What natural event can cause the moon to appear Blue?
Volcanic eruptions or large wildfires.
What would happen if Earth had no tilt? (Hint: Think about weather patterns, and our first test!)
There would be no Seasons
Why do astronauts' shadows on the Moon appear extra dark/sharp?
The moon has no atmosphere to scatter light.