Astronomy Unit

Front

What causes Earth's day and night pattern?

Back

Earth’s rotation on its axis.

Front

Why does the Moon have a greater influence on Earth tides than the Sun?

Back

It is closer to the Earth.

Front

What is the phase of the Moon when it is receiving sunlight on the side facing away from Earth?

Back

New Moon.

Front

What is Kepler's 1st Law of Planetary Motion?

Back

The orbit of each planet is an ellipse with the Sun at one focus.

Front

What is Kepler's 3rd Law of Planetary Motion?

Back

More distant planets orbit the Sun at slower average speeds.

Front

What is the definition of a planet?

Back

A celestial body that orbits the Sun, is spherical in shape, and has cleared its orbit of other debris.

Front

What is the difference between rotation and revolution?

Back

Rotation is the spinning of an object on its axis, while revolution is the movement of an object around another object.

Front

What is a solar eclipse?

Back

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun's light.

Front

What is a lunar eclipse?

Back

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon.

Front

What are the phases of the Moon?

Back

The phases of the Moon are the different shapes of the Moon as seen from Earth, including New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent.