4 seasons
The Axis
Define
Bonus
Time and Distance
100
What causes Earth's seasons?
The earth's tilt causes the earth's seasons. The tilt allows the sun's rays to directly and indirectly hit closer to each polar cap.
100
What caused the earth to have an axis?
The (would-be) planet "Thea" collided with earth and pushed earth over by 23.5 degrees. No longer was earth at a 90-degree angle.
100
What is the difference between revolving and orbiting when it comes to planets?
Orbiting is the path the earth takes around the sun. (365.25 days)
Revolving is how fast the earth spins on its invisible axis (24 hours)
100
How many days does it take for the earth to orbit the sun?
365.25 days or 365 1/4 days
100
What do sushi chef's play for fun?
Go Fish
200
If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring?
Piligrims
200
What is the image showing viewers?
The image show's the angle the sun is hitting the earth's surface, at different points throughout the year.
200
Describe what an "axis" is.
It is an imaginary line that pierces the center of the earth.
200
What are the dates that each season begins?
December 21st - Winter
March 21st - Spring
June 21st - Summer
September 21st - Fall
200
Why doesn't the change in distance from the sun have a large impact on the seasons?
The amount of change is small compared to the overall distance.
300
What day does the Summer Solstice take place?
June 21st (each year)
300
Why does the Earth think it does not need anymore school?
It already has 23.5 degrees.
300
Define what the Summer Solstice is.
The summer solstice is when the sun is at its highest point. In the northern hemisphere, this takes place on June 21st.
300
What is the official name of the spring and fall seasons?
Spring and fall equinox
300
Why do we have a February 29th every four years?
It takes the earth 365.25 days to travel around the sun. To make up for that 0.25 days we add one day every four years.
400
What angle would the sun be if it were the summer months in the northern hemisphere?
The angle of the sun would be closer to a 90-degree angle than during winter, which would be at a much steeper angle.
400
What date is the sun up for the longest period of time in the northern hemisphere?
June 21st
400
What two things determine the season the planet is in?
The location of the planet's orbit around the sun and the tilt of a planet's axis.
400
Why do parts of Alaska have 30 days of darkness?
During the month of December is when Alaska is covered in darkness. The reason being is the (invisible) axis is pointed away from the sun.
400
All but one planet have seasons like earth. They may be much longer, shorter, or have fewer types of seasons but all but one have seasons. What is the only planet without a season?
Mercury
500
What season is taking place when the sun travels east to west at a medium angle (45 degrees)?
It would be spring or fall depending on what the previous season would be.
500
What is the sun's angle when the earth is in its summer months in Utah?
The angle of the months is 72.3 degrees.
500
Fall brings pumpkins and sometimes pumpkins break. How do you fix a pumpkin?
You find a pumpkin patch.
500
The northern (invisible) axis points toward a specific star. What is the name of that star?
Polaris (North Star)
500
What is one of the important factors animals follow when making life-impacting decisions?
Seasons: Animals migrate based on seasons, they hibernate based on seasons, and have offspring based on the season.
600
What would happen if the earth was not tilted?
There would be no seasons making so the northern hemispheres and southern hemispheres are always in spring and fall seasons.
600
After "Thea" struct our planet what degree did the earth's tilt become?
The planet earth is at a 23.5-degree tilt off a 90-degree angle.
600
The earth is on average 93 million miles from the sun. What is something else that is measured by 93 million miles?
Astronomical Units are also measured by 93 million miles. Each Astronomical Unit is 93 million miles.
93 million miles = 1 A.U. measurement
600
Why should Valentine's day be in September?
September is the start of FALL and it is easier to fall in love.
600
What season is the northern hemisphere in which the earth is closest to the sun (91 million miles)?
Winter season