S_E_M (sun-Earth-moon) system

Front

What causes seasons on Earth?

Back

Seasons occur because Earth is tilted on its axis, causing different hemispheres to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year.

Front

Why is an extra day added to the calendar every four years?

Back

An extra day is added every four years because Earth's orbit around the Sun is not exactly 365 days; it takes about 365.25 days.

Front

What is the relative size of the Earth compared to the Moon in a scale model?

Back

In a scale model, Earth should be represented by an object about 4 times the size of the marble used for the Moon.

Front

What does Earth's magnetic field do?

Back

Earth's magnetic field protects its surface from solar wind and other space weather.

Front

What is the autumnal equinox?

Back

The autumnal equinox is the position in Earth's orbit where day and night are approximately equal in length, occurring around September 22 or 23 in the Northern Hemisphere.

Front

What is the diameter of the Sun compared to Earth?

Back

The diameter of the Sun is about 109 times larger than that of Earth.

Front

What is solar wind?

Back

Solar wind is a stream of charged particles released from the upper atmosphere of the Sun, which can affect planets and their magnetic fields.

Front

How does Earth's tilt affect climate?

Back

Earth's tilt affects climate by changing the angle and intensity of sunlight received in different regions, leading to seasonal variations.

Front

What is the significance of the equinoxes?

Back

Equinoxes mark the points in Earth's orbit where the tilt of the planet is such that the Sun is directly above the equator, resulting in equal day and night.

Front

What role does gravity play in the Sun-Earth-Moon system?

Back

Gravity keeps the Moon in orbit around Earth and Earth in orbit around the Sun, maintaining the stability of the S_E_M system.