Earth, Sun, Moon System

Front

What theory describes how the Moon was formed?

Back

Impact Theory: This theory suggests that the Moon was formed from the debris left over after a Mars-sized body collided with Earth.

Front

Why don't eclipses happen every month?

Back

Eclipses don't happen every month because the Moon’s orbit is tilted 5 degrees to Earth’s orbit around the Sun.

Front

Why do we have leap year every four years?

Back

Leap years occur because one revolution of Earth around the Sun takes approximately 365 1/4 days, so an extra day is added every four years to keep the calendar in sync.

Front

Which Moon phase is this? (Image of First Quarter Moon)

Back

First Quarter: This phase occurs when half of the Moon is illuminated and visible from Earth.

Front

During Winter solstice in the northern hemisphere, the Sun is directly over which part of Earth?

Back

Tropic of Capricorn: This is the latitude where the Sun is directly overhead during the Winter solstice.

Front

What is the primary reason for the seasons on Earth?

Back

The tilt of Earth's axis: Earth's axis is tilted at an angle of 23.5 degrees, which causes different parts of the Earth to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year.

Front

What is a solar eclipse?

Back

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking all or part of 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, causing the Earth's shadow to fall on the Moon.

Front

What is the difference between a waxing and waning Moon?

Back

A waxing Moon is when the visible portion of the Moon is increasing, while a waning Moon is when the visible portion is decreasing.

Front

What is the significance of the equinoxes?

Back

Equinoxes occur when day and night are approximately equal in length, marking the change of seasons.