Moon Phases
Which phase of the Moon comes after the New Moon?
Waxing Crescent
What happens during a solar eclipse?
The Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, blocking sunlight.
What happens during a lunar eclipse?
Earth passes between the Sun and Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon.
What causes Earth’s seasons?
The tilt of Earth’s axis.
What causes day and night on Earth?
Earth’s rotation on its axis.
Which phase of the Moon shows the entire sunlit side facing Earth?
Which type of solar eclipse shows a 'ring of fire' effect?
Annular Eclipse
What color can the Moon appear during a total lunar eclipse?
Red or copper (Blood Moon).
What is the tilt of Earth’s axis?
23.5 degrees
How long does it take Earth to complete one revolution around the Sun?
365 days (1 year).
What is the difference between waxing and waning?
Waxing = increasing light; Waning = decreasing light
Why is it dangerous to look directly at a solar eclipse?
The Sun’s rays can damage your eyes.
True/False
Lunar Eclipses are not safe to look at without special eclipse glasses.
False
Lunar Eclipses are safe to look at with the naked eye.
When do equinoxes occur, and what happens during them?
Spring and Fall; Day and night are equal in length.
What is the difference between rotation and revolution
Rotation = spinning on axis; Revolution = orbit around Sun.
How long does it take the Moon to complete one orbit around Earth?
About 27.3 days
True/False
There are only 2 types of Solar Eclipses?
False
Total, Partial, and Annular
Why can a lunar eclipse be seen by more people than a solar eclipse?
Because Earth’s shadow is larger than the Moon’s shadow.
Why is it warmer in summer than in winter?
Because Earth’s hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun, receiving direct sunlight.
Why is the Moon’s rotation period the same as its revolution period, and what effect does this have on what we see from Earth?
Because the Moon is tidally locked to Earth, its rotation and revolution take the same time (about 27.3 days). This means we always see the same side of the Moon.
Why don’t we always see a Full Moon at night?
Because the Moon is in different positions relative to the Sun and Earth.
Why don’t solar eclipses occur every month?
Because the Moon’s orbit is tilted compared to Earth’s orbit.
What is the role of Earth’s umbra in a lunar eclipse?
It causes the dark shadow that makes the eclipse visible.
Why are seasons opposite in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres?
Because when one hemisphere tilts toward the Sun, the other tilts away.
How do the combined motions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun create patterns like tides on Earth?
The gravitational pull of the Moon (and the Sun to a lesser degree) causes high and low tides. The alignment of the Earth, Moon, and Sun during new and full moons creates spring tides, while right-angle positions during quarter moons create neap tides.