Earth Sun and Moon

Front

What causes tides on Earth?

Back

The differences in the moon's and sun's gravitational pull on different sides of the Earth cause tides.

Front

How many high tides and low tides occur in a typical day?

Back

In a typical day, there are 2 high tides and 2 low tides.

Front

What is the duration of the lunar cycle from one full moon to the next?

Back

The lunar cycle takes about 28 days.

Front

How can a spinning basketball model the day-and-night cycle on Earth?

Back

By shining a bright light on one side of the spinning ball, it models how sunlight creates day and night.

Front

What is the effect of the Earth's tilt on the day-and-night cycle?

Back

The tilt of the Earth affects the angle of sunlight and the length of day and night throughout the year.

Front

What is the primary reason for the seasons on Earth?

Back

The tilt of the Earth's axis as it orbits the sun causes the seasons.

Front

What is a lunar phase?

Back

A lunar phase is the appearance of the moon as seen from Earth, which changes as the moon orbits the Earth.

Front

What is the difference between a solar eclipse and a 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 significance of the equinoxes?

Back

Equinoxes are significant because they mark the times of the year when day and night are approximately equal in length.

Front

What is the gravitational pull?

Back

Gravitational pull is the force that attracts two bodies towards each other, such as the Earth and the moon.