Earth: Movement & Cycles
What causes the pattern of day and night?
The rotation of the Earth on its axis.
Why does the sun appears so much brighter and larger than any other star we can see?
The sun is much closer to Earth than any other star.
What is gravity, and what is its role in our solar system?
Gravity is a force of attraction between objects with mass. It holds the solar system together, keeping planets and moons in their orbits.
Name the four inner, terrestrial (or rocky) planets in our solar system.
Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars
What other planet has rings apart from Saturn?
Uranus
Why do we experience seasons?
The tilt of the Earth's axis as it revolves around the sun causes different parts of Earth to receive more or less direct sunlight throughout the year.
Does the moon create its own light?
No, the moon does not produce its own light. It reflects sunlight.
What force keeps the planets in orbit around the sun?
The sun's gravity
Name the four outer, gas giant planets
What planet spins backwards?
Venus
Approximately how long does it take for Earth to complete one full rotation?
About 24 hours
Why do we always see the same side of the moon from Earth?
The moon's rotation and its revolution around Earth take the same amount of time.
What would be the likely consequence for Earth if the sun's gravity suddenly vanished?
Earth would no longer be held in its orbit and would travel in a straight line out into space.
What is the name of our galaxy?
The Milky Way
What does the Milky Way smell like?
Rum, raspberries and beer.
What is the primary reason that the length of daylight and nighttime changes throughout the year?
The tilt of the Earth's axis.
What might happen to Earth's tides if the moon suddenly disappeared?
Much smaller tides caused only by the sun.
"Popularity contest" invented by the Greeks in the 5th century B.C.E.
What is DEMOCRACY?
What is an asteroid?
Asteroids are typically rocky bodies
What is the real shape of the moon?
Lemon-shaped
Why do the stars we see in the night sky change with the seasons?
As Earth revolves around the sun, our view of the night sky points in a different direction, so we see different constellations.
What are stars primarily made of?
Stars are made of hot gases, primarily hydrogen and helium.
Why does a dropped object on Earth fall to the ground instead of floating away?
It is pulled down by Earth's gravity.
What is a comet.?
Comets are icy bodies. Comets also develop a visible tail as they approach the sun.
Do planets need a star to orbit around?