Moon Review - Earth Science

Front

What is a lunar eclipse?

Back

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is positioned between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Earth's shadow to fall on the Moon.

Front

What is a solar eclipse?

Back

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun's light from reaching the Earth.

Front

What causes tides on Earth?

Back

Tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun on Earth's oceans.

Front

What is the difference between spring tides and neap tides?

Back

Spring tides occur during full and new moons when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are aligned, resulting in higher high tides and lower low tides. Neap tides occur during the first and third quarters of the moon when the Sun and Moon are at right angles, resulting in lower high tides and higher low tides.

Front

What is the significance of the Moon's orbit being tilted?

Back

The tilt of the Moon's orbit (about 5 degrees) relative to Earth's orbit prevents solar and lunar eclipses from occurring every month.

Front

What are the phases of the Moon?

Back

The phases of the Moon include new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, last quarter, and waning crescent.

Front

What is the position of the Moon during a new moon?

Back

During a new moon, the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun.

Front

What is the position of the Moon during a full moon?

Back

During a full moon, the Earth is positioned between the Sun and the Moon.

Front

What is the relationship between the Moon's position and tides?

Back

The position of the Moon relative to the Earth affects the height of tides; when the Moon is closest (perigee), tides are higher.

Front

What is the term for the time it takes the Moon to orbit the Earth?

Back

The time it takes the Moon to orbit the Earth is approximately 27.3 days, known as a sidereal month.