Seasons, eclipses, moon phases

Front

What are the four main phases of the moon?

Back

New Moon, First Quarter, Full Moon, Third Quarter.

Front

What causes the seasons on Earth?

Back

The tilt of Earth's axis and its orbit around the Sun.

Front

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

Back

About 29.5 days.

Front

What is a solar eclipse?

Back

An event where the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun's light.

Front

What is a lunar eclipse?

Back

An event where the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Earth's shadow to cover the Moon.

Front

What is the difference between a waxing and waning moon?

Back

Waxing means the moon is getting larger; waning means it is getting smaller.

Front

What is the gravitational force?

Back

A force that attracts two bodies towards each other, depending on their masses and distance.

Front

What is the significance of the same side of the Moon being visible from Earth?

Back

The Moon is tidally locked, meaning it rotates on its axis in the same time it takes to orbit Earth.

Front

What is the average distance from the Earth to the Moon?

Back

About 238,855 miles (384,400 kilometers).

Front

What is the role of the Sun in Earth's orbit?

Back

The Sun's gravitational pull keeps Earth in its elliptical orbit.