Where in Space is Earth?
Put the following planetary terms in order from smallest to largest:
universe
solar system
galaxy
solar system, galaxy, universe
Describe where the direct sunlight hits the Earth in the summer in the Northern Hemisphere.
The direct sunlight is in the Northern Hemisphere because the North Pole is titled TOWARD the Sun.
Define and describe "maria"
the dark surfaces of the Moon that formed when cooled magma flooded a crater
What is the order of the Moon, Sun, and Earth when it is a solar eclipse (from left to right)?
Sun, Moon, Earth
Which of Earth's systems include the core, mantle, and crust?
geosphere
Give 3 examples of natural satellites.
1. planets
2. moons
3. asteroids or comets
Describe where the direct sunlight hits the Earth in the winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
The direct sunlight is in the Southern Hemisphere because the North Pole is titled AWAY from the Sun.
Define and describe "highlands"
the light colored areas of the Moon with lots of rough mountains and craters
What is the order of the Moon, Sun, and Earth when it is a lunar eclipse (from left to right)?
Sun, Earth, Moon
How long does it take the Earth to make one complete rotation?
one day= 24 hours
What keeps Earth in its circular orbit around the sun?
gravitation attraction
When is the direct sunlight at the Equator?
Vernal Equinox and Autumnal Equinox
What causes the phases of the Moon?
the revolution of the moon around Earth and the rotation of Earth on its axis
During what phase does a lunar eclipse occur?
Full moon
How long does it take the Earth to orbit the Sun?
one year= 364.5 days
Define gravity.
the universal force that attracts, or pulls, all objects that have mass toward one another.
Why does the Northern Hemisphere experience warmer weather in the summer season?
Earth's tilt toward the Sun causes the Northern Hemisphere to receive more solar energy
Which phase of the Moon happens when the Moon is being illuminated (lit up): waxing or waning?
waxing
Why do lunar eclipses occur?
Earth is between the Moon and the Sun during both a lunar eclipse and full moon. The Moon moves into Earth's shadow to create an eclipse.
Why do the number of daylight hours differ among different locations on Earth?
the tilt of the Earth's axis towards the Sun causes more of the Northern Hemisphere to be lit up by sunlight
Describe 3 characteristics of terrestrial planets.
1. small
2. dense
3. solid rocky surfaces
4. no moons
Why does the Northern Hemisphere experience colder weather in the winter season?
Earth's tilt away from the Sun causes the Northern Hemisphere to receive less solar energy.
How long does it take the Moon to orbit the Earth?
about a month (just over 4 weeks)
EXTRA: Describe 3 reasons why craters differ in size.
1. crater's mass
2. crater's velocity
3. crater's angle of impact
Why is there day and night on Earth?
The Earth rotates on its axis. Half of the Earth facing toward the Sun is experiencing daytime and the half facing away from the Sun is experiencing nighttime.