Seasons, eclipses, moon phases, & tides

Front

What causes the seasons on Earth?

Back

The tilt of the Earth's axis and its orbit around the Sun cause the seasons.

Front

What is an eclipse?

Back

An eclipse occurs when one celestial body moves into the shadow of another celestial body.

Front

What is the difference between a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse?

Back

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun's light. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon.

Front

What is the moon phase when it is completely illuminated?

Back

The full moon phase.

Front

What is the moon phase when it is not visible from Earth?

Back

The new moon phase.

Front

What are tides?

Back

Tides are the rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun.

Front

What is a spring tide?

Back

A spring tide occurs when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are aligned, resulting in higher high tides and lower low tides.

Front

What is a neap tide?

Back

A neap tide occurs when the Sun and Moon are at a right angle relative to the Earth, resulting in lower high tides and higher low tides.

Front

How often do tides occur?

Back

Tides occur approximately every 6 hours, resulting in two high tides and two low tides each day.

Front

What is the position of the Earth, Moon, and Sun during a solar eclipse?

Back

The Moon is between the Earth and the Sun.