Models of the Solar System
Name the planets in our solar system in order.
Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
What is the phase of the Moon when the entire sunlit side faces Earth?
Full Moon
What causes day and night on Earth?
The Earth’s rotation on its axis.
How long does it take Earth to complete one orbit around the Sun?
365¼ days (1 year).
What is a solar eclipse?
When the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking sunlight.
What is the difference between the geocentric and heliocentric model?
Geocentric: Old model - Earth-centered, the idea that Earth is at the center of the universe.
Heliocentric: New model- Sun-centered, the Sun is at the center, and planets orbit around it.
What is the phase called when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun?
New Moon.
How long does one full rotation of Earth take?
24 hours (1 day).
Why do we have leap years?
To account for the extra ¼ day each year by adding one day every 4 years.
What is a lunar eclipse?
When Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon.
Name two of the four gas planets in our solar system.
Bonus points:
What is a gas planet?
He connected gravity to planetary orbits, showing it’s the same force that causes objects to fall on Earth.
Bonus point:
A large planet that lacks a solid surface, being primarily composed of hydrogen and helium.
How long does it take for the Moon to complete all its phases (one lunar cycle)?
About 29.5 days.
Why does the Sun appear to rise in the east and set in the west?
Because Earth rotates from west to east.
What causes seasons on Earth?
The tilt of Earth’s axis and its revolution around the Sun.
How can you tell a total eclipse from a partial eclipse?
In a total eclipse, the Sun or Moon is completely covered; in a partial, only part is covered.
Name two of the four terrestrial planets in our solar system.
Bonus points:
What is a terrestrial planet?
Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.
Bonus points:
A rocky, planet with a solid surface, a core of heavy metals, and a silicate mantle.
What causes tides on Earth?
The gravitational pull of the Moon (and Sun) on Earth’s oceans.
Why do stars appear to move across the night sky?
Because of Earth’s rotation.
What is the Summer Solstice?
Bonus point:
What is the date of the summer solstice in the Southern Hemisphere?
The summer solstice is when the southern hemisphere is receiving the most direct sunlight and is the longest day of the year.
Bonus point:
21st of December
Why don’t we have a solar eclipse every New Moon?
Because the Moon’s orbit is tilted about 5° to Earth’s orbit, so it usually passes above or below the Sun.
What observation did Galileo make that supported the heliocentric model?
He observed moons orbiting Jupiter.
What type of tide occurs when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are aligned?
Spring tide (higher high tides).
What are star trails and how are they formed?
Long-exposure photos showing apparent circular movement of stars due to Earth’s rotation.
What are the spring and winter equinoxes?
Bonus question:
What are the dates for the autumn and spring equinoxes in Australia?
The equinoxes occur when the north and southern hemisphere receive equal amounts of direct sunlight and have equal day and night.
Bonus question:
Autumn: 21st of March
Spring: 21st of April
What is the difference between a full moon and an eclipse?
A new moon occurs when the Moon is between the Sun and Earth, so the side facing us is not illuminated, making it dark. An eclipse is a specific type of alignment that involves blocking light; a solar eclipse happens at the new moon phase when the Moon passes directly in front of the Sun, and a lunar eclipse happens at the full moon phase when Earth passes directly between the Sun and Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon.