Seasons, Tides, & More
What causes seasons?
Seasons are caused by the Earth's tilt.
What is a solar eclipse? What phase is the moon in during a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse is when the moon passes between Earth and the sun, blocking sunlight from Earth.
During a solar eclipse, the moon is in the New Moon phase.
How are dwarf planets different from classical planets?
Dwarf planets have not cleared out the neighborhood of their orbit.
What is the order of our solar system?
The order of our solar system is: Sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, (Pluto)
What color are the hottest stars?
What color are the coolest stars?
The hottest stars are blue (~20,000 degrees C)
The coolest stars are reddish (~3,200 degrees C)
What does Earth's rotation cause?
Earth's rotation causes day and night (~24 hours).
What is a lunar eclipse? What phase is the moon in during a lunar eclipse?
A lunar eclipse is when Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the moon.
During a lunar eclipse, the moon is in the Full phase.
What do the inner planets have in common?
Small and dense with rocky surfaces are common of the inner planets; also called terrestrial planets.
What will the sun become at the end of its life?
The sun will become a white dwarf, neutron star, or a black hole at the end of its life.
Describe the life cycle of stars.
A star is born when the contracting gas and dust from a nebula become so dense and hot that nuclear fusion starts. How long a star lives depends on its mass. After a star runs out of fuel, it will become a white dwarf, neutron star, or black hole.
How long is a day on Earth? How long is an Earth rotation?
A day on Earth is approximately 24 hours. An Earth rotation is approximately 24 hours.
What keeps moons and planets in orbit?
The pull of gravity keeps moons and planets in orbit.
Why are Venus & Earth alike?
Venus & Earth are similar in size with similar density and internal structure. Venus is also called "Earth's Twin."
What is solar prominence? What is a solar flare?
Solar prominence are huge, reddish oops of gas which often link different sunspot regions.
A solar flare is an eruption of large amounts of magnetic energy converting to thermal energy which heats the gas, causing it to erupt into space.
What determines a star's lifetime?
A star's life depends on its mass (its fuel).
What causes tides?
Tides are caused mainly by differences in how much the moon's gravity pulls on different parts of Earth.
What is the main source of power for the ISS?
The main source of power for the ISS is eight large arrays of solar panels.
What keeps atmosphere around planets?
Gravity keeps atmospheres are planets.
What is the difference between 3 different types of galaxies?
What is the Milky Way Galaxy?
The Milky Way Galaxy is a spiral galaxy where Earth is located.
What is the shape of a comet's orbit?
A comet's orbit is usually a very long, narrow ellipse.
What was unique about the space shuttle?
The space shuttle is like an airplane and can be reused.
What is a black hole?
A black hole is an object with gravity so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape.
What is unique about Uranus?
Uranus is unique and colder; methane in atmosphere; surrounded by dark rings; 90 degree rotation- looks like it's rotating top to bottom.
What causes rockets to be pushed up/forward.
A rocket moves forward when gases shooting out the back of the rocket push it in the opposite direction.
What is a meteoroid called when it is in the atmosphere?
What is a meteoroid called when it is on the Earth's surface?
A meteoroid in the atmosphere is called a meteor.
A meteoroid on the Earth's surface is called a meteorite.