Earth, Sun & Moon Systems Vocabulary

Front

The imaginary line through Earth that extends from the North Pole to the South Pole and is the center of Earth's rotation

Back

axis

Front

A phenomenon or process that involves multiple steps and repeats itself

Back

cyclic patterns

Front

An obscuring of light from a celestial body by the passage of an object between the celestial body and the observer or between the celestial body and its source of illumination

Back

eclipse

Front

When the full moon passes into Earth's shadow, causing the Moon to appear reddish in color; occurs when the Sun, Earth, and the Moon directly line up; lasts 1 - 3 1/2 hours

Back

lunar eclipse

Front

The shape of the illuminated portion of the Moon as seen by an observer, usually on Earth

Back

lunar phases

Front

A celestial body that revolves around a planet

Back

Moon

Front

A curved path followed by a satellite as it revolves around an object

Back

orbit

Front

The four natural divisions of the year based on changes in temperature due to the varied amounts of sunlight (both intensity and number of daylight hours received) caused by the tilt of Earth during revolution.

Back

seasons

Front

When the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, covering all or part of the Sun; occurs when the Sun, Earth, and the Moon directly line up; lasts for less than 12 minutes.

Back

solar eclipse

Front

The Sun together with the group of planets and other celestial bodies that are held by its gravitational attraction and revolve around it

Back

Solar System