Eclipses
What must happen in order for a lunar eclipse to occur?
A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon.
What causes day and night on Earth?
Earth's rotation on its tilted axis
Why can we see the Moon at night even though it does not produce its own light?
The Moon reflects light from the Sun, which bounces off its surface and reaches our eyes on Earth.
When one object moves around another object on a path
orbit
What must happen in order for a solar eclipse to occur?
The Moon moves directly between the Sun and Earth, blocking sunlight
Earth's axis is tilted towards what star?
North Star
Where does sunlight hit most directly on Earth?
The equator
What is the term for the time when the day and night are of equal length?
Equinox
During an eclipse, what is the area of partial shadow called?
Penumbra
Why does the same side of the Moon always face Earth?
The Moon rotates at the same rate that it orbits Earth?
During a full moon, which object is in the middle?
Earth
Energy from the Sun that travels in straight lines.
Solar Energy
During an eclipse, what is the area of total shadow called?
Umbra
Why can't classroom models show the true Earth-Moon-Sun scale?
The real sizes and distances are too large.
What causes the seasons on Earth?
Earth's tilted axis
The point in Earth's orbit when the Sun appears farthest north or south.
solstice
Why don't eclipses happen every month?
the moon's orbit is tilted
How long does it take the Moon to orbit Earth?
About one month
What causes the phases of the moon?
Changing amounts of sunlight reflecting off the Moon as it orbits.
The Moon is Earth's only __________ __________.