Moon Phases, Eclipses & Tides

Front

What is a solar eclipse?

Back

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun's light.

Front

What is a lunar eclipse?

Back

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the moon, causing the Earth's shadow to cover the moon.

Front

What are spring tides?

Back

Spring tides are tides that occur when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are aligned, resulting in higher high tides and lower low tides.

Front

What are neap tides?

Back

Neap tides occur when the Sun and Moon are at a right angle relative to the Earth, resulting in lower high tides and higher low tides.

Front

What causes the phases of the moon?

Back

The phases of the moon are caused by the changing angles of sunlight hitting the moon as it orbits the Earth.

Front

What is the role of Earth's tilted axis in seasons?

Back

Earth's tilted axis causes different parts of the Earth to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year, leading to seasons.

Front

What happens during a total solar eclipse?

Back

During a total solar eclipse, the moon completely covers the Sun, and it becomes dark for a short period.

Front

What is the difference between a solar and lunar eclipse?

Back

A solar eclipse occurs during the day when the moon blocks the Sun, while a lunar eclipse occurs at night when the Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the moon.

Front

What is the significance of the moon's orbit in relation to tides?

Back

The moon's gravitational pull on the Earth causes tides, with the highest tides occurring when the moon is closest to the Earth.

Front

How often do spring and neap tides occur?

Back

Spring and neap tides occur approximately every two weeks, with spring tides occurring during the full and new moons.