Phases of the Moon

Front

Lunar Month Noun

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[loo-ner munth]

Back

Lunar Month

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A unit of time, approximately 29 or 30 days, measured by the complete cycle of the Moon's phases.

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Example: The image shows the Moon's phases around Earth, explaining a lunar month as a complete cycle.

Front

Winter Solstice Noun

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[win-ter sol-stis]

Back

Winter Solstice

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The day in a hemisphere with the shortest period of daylight, which marks the astronomical beginning of winter.

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Example: Earth's tilt causes different sunlight distribution, leading to the shortest day during the Winter Solstice.

Front

Summer Solstice Noun

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[sum-er sol-stis]

Back

Summer Solstice

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The day in a hemisphere with the longest period of daylight, which marks the astronomical beginning of summer.

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Example: Earth's tilt toward the sun during summer solstice causes longer daylight.

Front

Solar Year Noun

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[soh-ler yeer]

Back

Solar Year

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The time Earth takes to complete one full orbit around the Sun, approximately 365.25 days, defining the seasons.

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Example: Earth's orbit around the Sun takes about 365.25 days, defining a solar year and the seasons.

Front

Lunar Year Noun

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[loo-ner yeer]

Back

Lunar Year

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A period of time consisting of approximately twelve lunar months, which totals about 354 days in length.

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Example: The image shows the moon's phases, illustrating how a lunar month is part of a lunar year.

Front

Gregorian Calendar Noun

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[gruh-gohr-ee-uhn kal-uhn-der]

Back

Gregorian Calendar

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The internationally accepted solar calendar introduced in 1582, used for most civil purposes around the world.

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Example: The image shows how the Gregorian calendar was introduced in October 1582 by skipping 10 days to adjust for the solar year.

Front

Lunisolar Calendar Noun

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[loo-nee-soh-ler kal-uhn-der]

Back

Lunisolar Calendar

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A calendar system that uses lunar months but also aligns with the solar year through periodic adjustments.

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Example: The image shows the phases of the moon around Earth, illustrating how lunar months align with the solar year.

Front

Moon Phases Noun

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[moon fay-ziz]

Back

Moon Phases

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The different shapes of the Moon's sunlit portion as seen from Earth, caused by its changing orbital position.

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Example: The image shows how sunlight illuminates different parts of the Moon, creating phases.

Front

Lunar Cycle Noun

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[loo-ner sy-kuhl]

Back

Lunar Cycle

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The complete, repeating pattern of the Moon's phases, which takes approximately 29.5 days to finish its cycle.

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Example: The image shows the Moon's phases around Earth, illustrating the lunar cycle.

Front

New Moon Noun

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[noo moon]

Back

New Moon

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The lunar phase when the Moon is between Earth and the Sun, making its unlit side face Earth.

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Example: The New Moon phase occurs when the Moon is between Earth and the Sun, showing its unlit side to Earth.