NGS Astronomy and Space - Sec. 2: The Moon – Earth’s Satellite

Front

What causes the moon to orbit the Earth?

Back

The Earth's gravitational pull on the moon causes it to move in an orbit around the Earth.

Front

What causes the phases of the moon, eclipses, and tides?

Back

The changing relative positions of the moon, Earth, and sun cause the phases of the moon, eclipses, and tides.

Front

What are the phases of the moon?

Back

The different forms of the moon you see from Earth are called phases.

Front

What is the lunar cycle?

Back

The sequence of phases of the moon, which lasts 29.5 days.

Front

What determines the phase of the moon you see?

Back

The phase of the moon you see depends on how much of the sunlit side of the moon faces Earth.

Front

What is an eclipse?

Back

An eclipse is when the Earth or the moon casts a shadow on the other.

Front

What is a solar eclipse?

Back

A solar eclipse is when the moon’s shadow appears on the Earth’s surface.

Front

What is a lunar eclipse?

Back

A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon moves into Earth’s shadow.

Front

What are craters on the moon?

Back

Craters are large, round pits on the moon's surface caused by impacts of meteoroids.

Front

What are maria on the moon?

Back

Maria are dark, flat areas on the moon that formed from lava billions of years ago.