Unit 2 Patterns of Earth and Sky

Front

What is the reason we never see the whole moon?

Back

We only see one side of the moon because it is tidally locked to Earth, meaning it rotates on its axis in the same time it takes to orbit Earth.

Front

Why do we only see most stars at night?

Back

We see most stars at night because the sun's brightness during the day makes it difficult to see them.

Front

What causes shadows to change length throughout the day?

Back

Shadows change length due to the Earth's rotation, which causes the position of the sun in the sky to change.

Front

Is the sun brighter than other stars because it is bigger?

Back

No, the sun appears brighter than other stars not because it is bigger, but because it is much closer to Earth.

Front

What is the term for the path the Earth takes around the sun?

Back

Earth's orbit.

Front

What is the difference between Earth's rotation and revolution?

Back

Rotation is the spinning of Earth on its axis, while revolution is the movement of Earth around the sun.

Front

What is a shadow?

Back

A shadow is a dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

Front

What happens to the sun's position in the sky during the day?

Back

The sun appears to move across the sky from east to west due to Earth's rotation.

Front

What is the moon's phase when we cannot see it?

Back

The new moon phase.

Front

What is the term for the time it takes for the moon to complete one orbit around Earth?

Back

A lunar month, which is about 29.5 days.