ESS Final ( Practice Test VIII)

Front

What does it mean when the moon is waxing?

Back

The moon is waxing when the amount of its lighted surface that is visible from Earth increases.

Front

What is retrograde motion in astronomy?

Back

Retrograde motion is when planets appear to move eastward among the stars, then stop and reverse direction.

Front

In the Ptolemaic system, what celestial body do planets orbit?

Back

In the Ptolemaic system, planets move in circular orbits around the Earth.

Front

What is perigee in relation to the moon?

Back

Perigee is the point at which the moon is closest to Earth.

Front

What is perihelion in relation to Earth and the sun?

Back

Perihelion is the point at which Earth is closest to the sun, occurring around January 3.

Front

Define the term 'phases of the moon'.

Back

Phases of the moon refer to the different appearances of the moon as seen from Earth, caused by the changing positions of the moon, Earth, and sun.

Front

What is the significance of the full moon phase?

Back

The full moon phase occurs when the entire face of the moon is illuminated by the sun, making it fully visible from Earth.

Front

Explain the concept of 'apogee'.

Back

Apogee is the point at which the moon is farthest from Earth.

Front

What is the difference between a solar and lunar eclipse?

Back

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, blocking the sun's light. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow on the moon.

Front

What is the role of gravity in the motion of planets?

Back

Gravity is the force that keeps planets in orbit around the sun, as well as the force that governs the motion of moons around their planets.