Motion and Rotation Concepts vocabulary

The path an object follows as it moves around another object.

• Orbit

• Revolution

• Rotation

• Phase

The orbit of one object around another object.

• Orbit
• Trajectory
• Revolution
• Satellite

The spin of an object around its axis.

• Translation
• Oscillation
• Rotation
• Revolution

The line on which an object rotates.

• Center of mass
• Pivot point
• Axis of rotation
• Rotation axis

When Earth’s rotation axis is tilted directly toward or away from the Sun.

• Soloist

• Equinox

• full moon

• halfmoon

When Earth’s rotation axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the Sun.

• Solstice
• Equinox
• Perigee
• Aphelion

The large, dark, flat areas on the Moon.

• Maria
• Craters
• Highlands
• Ridges

The portion of the Moon or a planet reflecting light as seen from Earth.

• Phase
• Orbit
• Eclipse
• Rotation

Phase of the Moon during which more of the Moon’s near side is lit each night.

• New Moon
• Waning phase
• Waxing phase
• Full Moon

Phase of the Moon during which less of the Moon’s near side is lit each night.

• Crescent phase
• New Moon
• Waning phase
• Full Moon