Earth, Moon, and Seasons

Front

What does it mean when we say the Earth rotates on its axis?

Back

It means that the Earth spins around an imaginary line called its axis, which goes from the North Pole to the South Pole. This rotation causes day and night.

Front

What is a moon phase?

Back

A moon phase is the shape of the illuminated part of the Moon as seen from Earth. It changes over a month.

Front

How long does it take for the Earth to revolve around the Sun?

Back

It takes one year for the Earth to complete one full revolution around the Sun.

Front

What would happen if the Earth's axis was straight up and down?

Back

If the Earth's axis was straight up and down, there would be no seasons.

Front

How long does it take for the Moon to completely revolve around the Earth?

Back

It takes about one month for the Moon to completely revolve around the Earth.

Front

What are the four main moon phases?

Back

The four main moon phases are new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter.

Front

What causes the seasons on Earth?

Back

The tilt of the Earth's axis as it revolves around the Sun causes the seasons.

Front

What is the difference between rotation and revolution?

Back

Rotation is when an object spins on its axis, while revolution is when an object orbits around another object.

Front

What is a waxing gibbous moon?

Back

A waxing gibbous moon is a phase where more than half of the Moon is illuminated and it is getting fuller.

Front

What is a waning crescent moon?

Back

A waning crescent moon is a phase where less than half of the Moon is illuminated and it is getting smaller.