Seasons/Moon Phases/Tides

Front

What causes the seasons on Earth?

Back

The tilt of the Earth's axis and its orbit around the Sun cause the seasons. When one hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, it experiences summer, while the other hemisphere, tilted away, experiences winter.

Front

What is an equinox?

Back

An equinox occurs when the Sun is directly above the equator, resulting in nearly equal day and night lengths. This happens twice a year, in March and September.

Front

What is a solstice?

Back

A solstice is an event that occurs twice a year when the Sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky at noon, marking the longest and shortest days of the year.

Front

How long does it take for the Earth to orbit the Sun?

Back

It takes approximately 365 days for the Earth to complete one orbit around the Sun.

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 a neap tide?

Back

A neap tide occurs when the gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun are perpendicular to each other, resulting in lower high tides and higher low tides.

Front

What is a spring tide?

Back

A spring tide occurs when the gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun align, resulting in higher high tides and lower low tides.

Front

What is the position of the Earth during summer in the northern hemisphere?

Back

During summer in the northern hemisphere, the Earth is tilted towards the Sun.

Front

What is the position of the Earth during summer in the southern hemisphere?

Back

During summer in the southern hemisphere, the Earth is tilted away from the Sun.

Front

How long does it take for the Moon to complete one orbit around the Earth?

Back

The Moon takes about 28 days to complete one orbit around the Earth.