Earth, Sun, & Moon
Which motion of the moon takes about 28 days?
It's revolution around Earth.
What object does Earth travel around in space?
The sun.
After a waxing crescent moon, what is the next major phase in the lunar cycle?
First quarter moon.
Refracting telescopes help us see distant objects. What is one thing you could observe with one?
The surface of the moon.
Satellites use solar panels to capture sunlight. Which technology on Earth works the same way?
Solar cells on houses.
Luis wants to model the sizes of the Earth, moon, and sun using a golf ball, a baseball, and a soccer ball. Which objects best represent them?
Earth as a baseball, sun as a soccer ball, moon as a golf ball.
Earth rotates faster than the other inner planets. What does this mean Earth completes more quickly?
One full rotation.
If the moon is mostly dark with only a small bright curve on the right side, which phase is it in?
Waning crescent.
Which camping item was originally developed for use in the space program?
Freeze-dried food.
What was the most important way the space program helped universities in Florida?
More people attended the universities.
How long does it take Earth to complete one full rotation on its axis?
24 hours
One week after a new moon, more of the lit side became visible. Why did the moon look bigger?
More of the lit side of the moon could be seen from Earth.
If the moon is half lit on the left side and half dark on the right, what phase is this?
Third quarter.
Before space exploration was possible, which major technology had to be invented?
Computers.
Name one everyday invention that came from space research.
Varies: memory foam, freeze-dried food, GPS, scratch-resistant lenses, infrared thermometers.
What causes the sun to appear to move across the sky each day?
Earth's rotation
How long does it take the moon to complete one full orbit around Earth?
About one month.
A lunar month is based on the moon’s phases. How does its length compare to a solar month?
NASA uses infrared cameras to detect heat on spacecraft. Which profession on Earth uses similar cameras?
Firefighters.
Describe two ways satellites benefit both space missions and life on Earth.
Communication, weather forecasting, imaging, navigation.
If Earth took longer to orbit the sun, what would happen to the length of a year?
A year would be longer than 365 days.
Why does the moon shine at night even though it produces no light of its own?
It reflects light from the sun.
What is the difference between a solar month and a lunar month?
Solar months follow Earth’s path around the sun; lunar months follow the moon’s repeating phases.
Skylab used a device that detected dangerous vapors in the air. Which home technology now uses this idea?
Smoke detectors.
Name one technological improvement that has made space exploration safer or more efficient.
Varies: Advanced computers, better heat shields, improved communication systems, safety sensors.