Lesson 1
The word equinox is derived from two latin words -aequus (equal) and nox (night).
During the first week in January, the Earth is about 1.6 million miles closer to the sun. This is referred to as the _________________________
Perihelion
The sequential changes in the appearance of the moon are called
lunar phases
The waning phases are name similar to the waxing phases
True
What did people in the past believe the darkening of the Sun meant?
It was seen as a signal of displeasure of the gods or an omen of bad things to come.
Where is the sun located during equinoxes?
The sun is directly overhead at noon on these two equinoxes
What are the two Equinoxes called?
Spring (vernal) and Fall (Autumnal)
The light given off by the moon is a reflection of the __________ light.
sun's
You see different sides of the moon depending on the phases
False, you see the same side of the moon all the time
Solar eclipses only happen when there is a crescent moon
False, New moon and when the moon moves between Earth and the Sun
When does Summer Solstice occur?
The Summer Solstice occurs when the sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer
What are the two Solstices called?
Winter Solstice and Summer Solstice
What phase is it when the Moon is between the Sun and the Earth?
New Moon
What is a lunar month?
The length of time it takes the moon to go through a complete cycle of phases
The shadow of the moon casts in our planet is called
A total eclipse occurs how often?
Umbra
every 1-2 years
What does winter solstice mark?
The winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere
Fill in the shapes of the moon and the names of the phases
See Mrs. Davison for the drawing
3: waxing crescent, first quarter, and waxing gibbous
What effects does the Moon have on Earth?
Ocean tides
How long on average does any given location go between each solar eclipse?
300 years
The Earth makes a complete revolution around the sun every ________________
365 days
The moon changes positions relative to the ecliptic plane as it orbits Earth.
True
What is the phase called when you can see the whole moon?
Full moon
What are spring tides, and what causes them?
Spring tides are when the tide is highest, and the cause is when the Sun and the Moon are aligned along the same direction
Where is the moon located during a solar eclipse?
Where is the moon located during a lunar eclipse?
in between the Earth and the Sun (SUN, MOON, EARTH)
on the far side of Earth, opposite from the Sun. (SUN, EARTH, MOON)