Day and Night
What causes day and night on Earth?
Earth’s rotation on its axis.
What causes the seasons on Earth?
The tilt of Earth’s axis as it revolves around the Sun.
What causes the Moon to have different phases?
The Moon’s revolution around Earth and how much of its lit half we see.
What causes a solar eclipse?
The Moon passes directly between the Sun and Earth.
What causes tides on Earth?
The gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun.
How many hours does it take Earth to complete one full rotation?
About 24 hours.
Why are the seasons opposite in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres?
When one hemisphere tilts toward the Sun, the other tilts away.
Which phase happens when the lit half of the Moon faces completely toward Earth?
A full moon.
During which lunar phase can a solar eclipse occur?
A new moon.
How many high tides and low tides do most places on Earth experience each day?
Two high tides and two low tides.
Why does the Sun appear to rise in the east and set in the west?
Because Earth rotates from west to east.
How many degrees is Earth tilted on its axis?
About 23.5 degrees.
Why can’t we see the Moon during a new moon?
Because the lit side is facing away from Earth.
What is the difference between a total and partial solar eclipse?
In a total eclipse the Sun is completely covered; in a partial only part is covered.
What is the difference between a spring tide and a neap tide?
Spring tides are stronger at new/full moons; neap tides are weaker at quarter moons.
Why is the length of day and night not always exactly 12 hours each everywhere on Earth?
Because Earth’s tilt and position in its orbit cause the length of daylight to change
What is the difference between a solstice and an equinox?
Solstices are the longest/shortest days; equinoxes have equal day and night.
How long does it take the Moon to go through all its phases?
About 29.5 days.
What is the path of totality?
The narrow area on Earth where a total eclipse is visible.
Why do high tides occur on both the side of Earth facing the Moon and the opposite side?
The Moon’s gravity pulls on the near side, while inertia causes a bulge on the far side.
Explain how Earth’s rotation affects temperature patterns between day and night.
The side facing the Sun heats up during the day, while the side facing away cools down at night.
Explain why summer days are longer and hotter than winter days in the same hemisphere.
The hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun, so sunlight is more direct and lasts longer each day.
Explain the connection between lunar phases and extreme tides (spring tides).
During new and full moons, the Sun, Moon, and Earth align, creating stronger gravitational pulls and higher tides.
Why are solar eclipses rare compared to lunar phases?
The Sun, Moon, and Earth must line up perfectly, which doesn’t happen every month.
Explain how the alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth affects the strength of tides.
Alignment during new/full moons increases gravitational pull for spring tides, while right-angle positions during quarter moons create weaker neap tides.