Planets & Moon
What planet do we live on?
Earth
How many seasons does most of Australia experience?
Four
What causes tides on earth?
The gravitational pull of the Moon (and the Sun).
What is the phase of the Moon when we can't see it at all?
New Moon
What shape is Earth’s orbit around the Sun?
An ellipse (slightly oval)
What is the name of the planet closest to the Sun?
Mercury
During which season is Australia tilted towards the Sun?
Summer
How many high tides usually occur each day?
Two
When the Moon appears as a half circle, what is this phase called?
First quarter or Last quarter.
What is the name of the galaxy our Solar System is in?
The Milky Way
How long does it take for the Moon to complete one orbit around Earth?
About 27 days
What causes Earth’s seasons?
The tilt of Earth’s axis as it orbits the Sun.
What part of the Moon’s cycle causes the highest high tides?
During the full moon and new moon (spring tides)
How long is the Moon Cycle?
About 29.5 Days
What force keeps the planets in orbit around the Sun?
Gravity
What are the order of the planets from closest to farthest from the Sun?
Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune.
What is the name of the line that divides Earth into northern and southern halves?
The Equator
What type of tide occurs when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are in a straight line?
Spring Tide
What causes the phases of the Moon?
The changing angles of sunlight hitting the Moon as it orbits Earth.
Why do we always see the same side of the Moon from Earth?
The Moon rotates once on its axis in the same time it takes to orbit Earth (synchronous rotation).
What 3 criterion are considered for an object to be considered a planet?
1. Orbit the Sun
2. Clear other objects from its orbit
3. Round in shape
Why is it winter in Australia when it’s summer in Europe?
Because when the Southern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward it.
Why are there two tidal bulges on Earth at once?
One is caused by the Moon’s gravity, and the other is caused by water “left behind” on the opposite side
What is it called when the Earth's shadow falls on the Moon?
What is the summer solstice?
The day when the Sun is at its highest point in the sky, giving the longest day and shortest night of the year