Earth, Sun, and Moon Quiz

What causes the periodic cycle of day and night on Earth?

• The Earth's orbit around the Sun

• The Moon blocking sunlight

• The Earth rotating on its tilted axis once every 24 hours

• The Sun moving around Earth

Which of the following explains why the Sun appears to rise in the east and set in the west?

• The Earth orbits the Sun

• The Sun moves around the Earth

• The Earth rotates from west to east

• The Earth's tilt changes daily

If the Earth did not rotate, what would happen?

• There would be no day and night

• The seasons would not change

• The Moon would stop orbiting Earth

• The Sun would stop emitting light

The diagram shows Earth at different positions. In which position is it nighttime in New York?

• The side facing the Sun

• The side facing away from the Sun

• The North Pole

• The South Pole

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

• 24 hours

• 27.3 days

• 365.25 days

• 30 days

What causes the periodic cycle of seasons?

• The Earth's rotation

• The Earth's tilt as it orbits the Sun

• The distance of Earth from the Sun

• The gravitational pull of the Moon

Why is it summer in the northern hemisphere when the northern hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun?

• The northern hemisphere moves closer to the Sun

• The days are longer, and the Sun is higher in the sky

• The northern hemisphere spins faster

• The southern hemisphere absorbs less sunlight

During which month is the Earth closest to the Sun?

• January

• June

• September

• December

How long does it take for the Moon to orbit Earth?

• 24 hours

• 7 days

• 27.3 days

• 365 days

What causes the phases of the Moon?

• The Earth's shadow covering the Moon

• The Moon reflecting different amounts of sunlight as it orbits Earth

• The Moon producing its own light

• The Sun moving closer to the Moon