Regents ES - Astronomy

Front

What are the phases of the Moon?

Back

The phases of the Moon are the different appearances of the Moon as seen from Earth, which include New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent.

Front

What causes the Moon phases?

Back

The Moon phases are caused by the relative positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun, which affect how much of the Moon's surface is illuminated by the Sun.

Front

What is the significance of the Moon's elliptical orbit?

Back

The Moon's elliptical orbit means that its distance from Earth varies, affecting the size of the Moon as seen from Earth during different phases.

Front

What is the fastest rotating planet in our solar system?

Back

Jupiter is the fastest rotating planet, completing a rotation in about 10 hours.

Front

How does the distance between the Earth and the Sun affect gravitational force?

Back

As the distance between the Earth and the Sun decreases, the gravitational force between them increases.

Front

What happens to the Earth's orbital speed as it gets closer to the Sun?

Back

The Earth's orbital speed increases as it gets closer to the Sun due to the stronger gravitational pull.

Front

What is the shape of Earth's orbit around the Sun?

Back

Earth's orbit around the Sun is elliptical, meaning it is oval-shaped rather than a perfect circle.

Front

What is the relationship between the Sun's apparent diameter and distance from Earth?

Back

As the distance from Earth to the Sun decreases, the Sun's apparent diameter increases, making it look larger in the sky.

Front

What is the role of gravity in the solar system?

Back

Gravity is the force that keeps planets in orbit around the Sun and moons in orbit around planets.

Front

What is the difference between rotation and revolution?

Back

Rotation is the spinning of a planet on its axis, while revolution is the movement of a planet around the Sun.