Day and Night
What causes day and night on Earth?
The rotation of Earth on its axis.
What causes the different seasons on Earth?
The tilt of Earth’s axis
How many main phases does the Moon have?
Eight
What force keeps the Moon in orbit around the Earth?
Gravity
What is the center of our solar system?
The Sun
How long does it take the Earth to make one full rotation?
24 hours
How many seasons are there in one year?
Four
What phase occurs when the Moon’s entire face is lit?
Full Moon
Which moves faster: Earth’s rotation or the Moon’s revolution around Earth?
Earth’s rotation
What type of star is the Sun?
A medium-sized yellow star
When it’s daytime in one part of the world, what is it on the opposite side?
Nighttime
When it is summer in the Northern Hemisphere, what season is it in the Southern Hemisphere?
Winter
What phase occurs when the Moon is not visible from Earth?
New Moon
What causes the Moon to shine?
It reflects sunlight.
What imaginary line does Earth spin around?
Axis
In which direction does the Earth rotate?
From west to east
During which season is the Earth tilted toward the Sun?
Summer
What do we call the growing light on the Moon’s surface after a New Moon?
Waxing
What is the name of the path the Moon takes around the Earth?
Orbit
How long does it take Earth to orbit the Sun once?
365 days (1 year)
Why do the Sun and stars appear to move across the sky?
Because Earth is rotating
What is the name of the two days each year when day and night are equal?
Equinox
How long does it take for the Moon to complete all its phases?
About 29.5 days
Why do we always see the same side of the Moon from Earth?
The Moon rotates once per revolution (synchronous rotation)
What would happen if Earth’s axis were not tilted?
There would be no seasons.