Earth, Moon, and Sun Dynamics

Front

What does 'revolving' mean in the context of planets?

Back

'Revolving' means moving in a circular orbit around the Sun.

Front

What does 'rotate' mean for planets?

Back

'Rotate' means turning on an imaginary axis.

Front

What is an axis in terms of rotation?

Back

An axis is an invisible line around which an object rotates.

Front

What happens during the summer solstice?

Back

The hemisphere is tilted as much as possible toward the sun.

Front

What happens during the winter solstice?

Back

The hemisphere is tilted as much as possible away from the sun.

Front

What are equinoxes?

Back

Times when the Earth experiences nearly equal amounts of daylight.

Front

Why do we have seasons?

Back

Because the Earth is tilted on its axis and it revolves around the Sun.

Front

Why do we have day and night?

Back

Because the Earth rotates on its axis. The half facing the Sun experiences daytime, and the half facing away experiences nighttime.

Front

What is a satellite in astronomical terms?

Back

An object that revolves around, or orbits, another object.

Front

What are the phases of the moon?

Back

The apparent changes in the shape of the moon throughout the month.