8th Unit 3 Astronomy

Why do Moon phases affect ocean tides?

• They change Earth's rotation

• They alter gravitational pull

• They create weather patterns

• They influence air pressure

Answer explanation

Moon phases affect ocean tides by altering gravitational pull, causing the water to be pulled towards the Moon, creating high and low tides.

What phase of the Moon occurs when it is completely illuminated by the Sun?

• New Moon

• Full Moon

• First Quarter

• Waxing Crescent

Answer explanation

The Full Moon phase occurs when the Moon is completely illuminated by the Sun, making it appear as a full circle in the sky.

What is the phase called when the Moon is not visible from Earth?

• New Moon

• Full Moon

• First Quarter

• Waxing Crescent

Answer explanation

The phase called when the Moon is not visible from Earth is the New Moon phase.

What is the name of the phase when the Moon is more than half illuminated but not fully?

• Waxing Crescent

• First Quarter

• Waxing Gibbous

• Full Moon

Answer explanation

The name of the phase when the Moon is more than half illuminated but not fully is Waxing Gibbous.

How long does it take for the Moon to complete one full cycle of phases?

• 14 days

• 30 days

• 27.3 days

• 29.5 days

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 29.5 days because it takes the Moon approximately that amount of time to complete one full cycle of phases.

What season is it in the northern hemisphere when it is leaning towards the Sun?

• Summer

• Winter

• Spring

• Autumn

How long does it take for Earth to complete one orbit around the Sun?

• 365 days

• 24 hours

• 30 days

• 11 months

Answer explanation

Earth takes 365 days to complete one orbit around the Sun, which is equivalent to one year.

What is the primary reason for the seasons on Earth?

• Distance from the Sun

• Earth's axial tilt

• Solar flares

• Lunar phases

Answer explanation

The primary reason for the seasons on Earth is Earth's axial tilt.

What would happen if the Earth's axis was not tilted?

• Same season all year long

• No day and night

• No rotation

• No revolution

As the earth rotates on its axis, the constellations and stars in them appear to _________.  

• move across the sky
• stand still in the sky
• move around each other