The Sun, Earth and Moon

Front

What are sunspots?

Back

Sunspots are temporary phenomena on the Sun's photosphere that appear as spots darker than the surrounding areas. They are caused by magnetic activity and can influence climate on Earth.

Front

What is the primary state of matter that makes up the Sun?

Back

The Sun is mostly made of plasma, which is a state of matter where gases are ionized and contain free electrons and ions.

Front

What is a waxing gibbous moon?

Back

A waxing gibbous moon is the phase of the moon that occurs after the first quarter and before a full moon, where more than half of the moon is illuminated.

Front

What is a waning gibbous moon?

Back

A waning gibbous moon is the phase of the moon that occurs after a full moon and before the last quarter, where more than half of the moon is still illuminated but decreasing.

Front

What is a total lunar eclipse?

Back

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Earth's shadow to completely cover the Moon.

Front

What are maria on the Moon?

Back

Maria are large, dark, basaltic plains on the Moon's surface, formed by ancient volcanic eruptions.

Front

What is the umbra?

Back

The umbra is the darkest part of a shadow, where the light source is completely blocked. In an eclipse, it refers to the area where the Earth completely blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon.

Front

What is a solar flare?

Back

A solar flare is a sudden eruption of intense high-energy radiation from the Sun's surface, often associated with sunspots and magnetic activity.

Front

What is solar wind?

Back

Solar wind is a stream of charged particles (mostly electrons and protons) released from the upper atmosphere of the Sun, which can affect space weather and Earth's magnetosphere.

Front

What are prominences?

Back

Prominences are large, bright features extending outward from the Sun's surface, often in loop shapes, caused by magnetic fields.