Fast Facts
How long is a year?
365.25 days
If the Southern Hemisphere is angled away from sun, is it winter or summer in Australia?
Winter
What causes the phases of the moon?
The amount of the Moon lit up by sunlight determines the shape of the Moon that we see from Earth.
What is the darkest part of a shadow called?
Umbra
What causes the tides to change?
Gravitational pull of the Moon as it orbits Earth.
How long does it take Earth to rotate on its axis?
24 hours
If the Southern Hemisphere is titled towards the sun, is it winter or summer in Australia?
Summer
What is the alignment of the Earth, Sun and Moon for a full moon?
Sun - Earth - Moon
What is partially shaded outer region of a shadow called?
Penumbra
What causes a Spring tide? What phases of the moon?
Combined pull of the Moon and Sun causing very high tides (Full Moon and New Moon).
How long does it take the Moon to orbit the Earth?
28 days
Why do longer days in Summer increase the temperature?
It gives more time for the sunrays to heat up Earth (increased concentration of sunlight).
What is the alignment of the Earth, Sun and Moon for a new moon?
Sun - Moon - Earth
What is the alignment of the Earth, Moon and Sun for a Solar Eclipse?
Sun - Moon - Earth
What causes a Neap tide? What phases of the moon?
Sun and Moon pull in different directions (90 degrees) causing smaller high tides (1st Quarter, Last Quarter).
Does the moon create its own light?
No, it reflects the sunlight.
Why do the Northern and Southern hemisphere experience different seasons at the same time? (For example, its summer in Australia but winter in America)
Why can't we see a New Moon?
Sunlight is reflecting on the side off the moon we can't see from Earth.
What is the alignment of the Earth, Moon and Sun for a Lunar Eclipse?
Sun - Earth - Moon
How can you determine when neap tides have occurred from data?
Smallest difference between high and low tide.
What angle is the Earth's axis titled on?
23.5degrees
What area of the Earth experiences the phenomenon of Midnight Sun (24 hours of sunlight)?
south of the Antarctic Circle and north of the Arctic Circle
Why do the Phases of the Moon appear back to front between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres?
Even though we see the same Moon, we are looking at it from different parts of the globe and therefore different angles.
Why do we only have eclipses four to seven times a year?
The Moon's orbit around Earth is tilted relative to Earth's orbit around the Sun.
How can you determine when a spring tide has occurred from data?
greatest difference between high and low tide